Apple must update AirTag to be less scary

Apple is rolling out a new update to AirTag, to make it harder for the accessory to be used for tracking purposes. According to a response sent to The Verge, Apple is also developing an app for Android smartphones that will detect if an AirTag is secretly spying on them.

AirTag was launched earlier this year, with the aim to help users track the location and find lost items. According to Apple, users can find their lost keys or bags with AirTag. However, there are many people who are concerned that AirTag can be used to secretly spy on others, without their knowledge.

Apple is also aware of this problem and has taken some measures to prevent it. Before the new update, if the AirTag is lost, it will chime after 3 days if it detects movement. iPhone users who update to the latest iOS version will receive an “AirTag Found Moving With You” notification, if there is an AirTag nearby.

These features help users avoid being secretly tracked. However it is not enough. Apple had to update the AirTag to emit a chirping sound between 8 and 24 hours after it was lost, significantly down from 3 days. For the reason that users can be tracked within those 3 days without even knowing it.

Also, users without an iPhone will not be able to detect if AirTag is nearby and tracking them. Therefore, Apple will launch an application on Android, with AirTag detection. The app will be launched around the end of this year.

Reference: theverge