Apple refining AirTag privacy, Android anti-stalking app coming soon

Credit: Andrew O'Hara, AppleInsiderCredit: Andrew O'Hara, AppleInsider

Apple is reportedly working to increase the privacy of AirTags, which includes the planned launch of an Android app that will allow non-iPhone users to detect an unwanted tracking accessory.

The Cupertino tech giant has told CNET that it is tweaking a specific anti-stalking alert setting on AirTag. More specifically, it's changing the window of time when an AirTag will begin emitting an alert if it's being used to potentially stalk a person.

Current AirTag anti-stalking measures cause the accessory to play an alert when separated from their owner within three days. Now, it'll play at a random time window that's between eight and 24 hours, CNET reported Thursday.

Additionally, Apple said that it is developing an app for Android devices that will allow users of the operating system to "detect" whether an AirTag or other Find My-enabled device is traveling with them.

No exact release date for the Android app was given, but Apple said the app would launch later in 2021. The updated alert time window on the other hand, should be rolling out to AirTags starting Thursday. The update will be automatically applied when near a connected iPhone.

AirTags went on sale in May for $29 each or $99 for a four-pack. Unlike competing trackers on the market, AirTags benefit from Apple's existing Find My network, allowing users to track devices by leveraging Apple products owned by other people.

In addition to a suite of privacy protections, AirTags also contain anti-stalking measures. That includes the aforementioned alerts if an unwanted AirTag is traveling with a user, as well as a feature that allows iPhone owners to get instructions on how to disable an AirTag that may be surveilling them.

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35 Comments

caladanian

said about 2 years ago

It’s a shame that anti-stalking measures contradict anti-theft measures. I’m aware that the main focus is on lost-and-found, but I’m not sure if Apple is not overly restrictive here.

mike1

said about 2 years ago

AppleInsider said:

Current AirTag anti-stalking measures cause the accessory to play an alert when separated from their owner within three days. Now, it'll play at a random time window that's between eight and 24 hours, CNET reported Thursday.

That seems problematic. So, the tag in my suitcase that is stored in a closet could start to play an alert if I am away for as little as 8 hours?! That would be every single work day. My wife will hit me over the head with the suitcase after she tracks down the annoying sound and I get home from work.

WTH

said about 2 years ago

mike1 said:

That seems problematic. So, the tag in my suitcase that is stored in a closet could start to play an alert if I am away for as little as 8 hours?! That would be every single work day. My wife will hit me over the head with the suitcase after she tracks down the annoying sound and I get home from work.

It does seem that Apple is already jumping the shark with the AirTag. This 8 to 24 hour window won't enhance the AirTag, it will simply make it extremely annoying. Imagine leaving an AirTag on a set of keys while you go on a business trip, and having it drive your family crazy beeping away because you failed to take it with you.

The irony is that it was the Washington Post that published an extremely damning article on how the AirTag would be used by stalkers - the same Washington Post owned by Jeff Bezos, whose own Amazon Sidewalk mesh network is going online next week. I would bet any amount of money that the Post won't be publishing any stories on how Sidewalk-enabled devices will be abused by stalkers.

mike1

said about 2 years ago

WTH said:

mike1 said:

That seems problematic. So, the tag in my suitcase that is stored in a closet could start to play an alert if I am away for as little as 8 hours?! That would be every single work day. My wife will hit me over the head with the suitcase after she tracks down the annoying sound and I get home from work.

It does seem that Apple is already jumping the shark with the AirTag. This 8 to 24 hour window won't enhance the AirTag, it will simply make it extremely annoying. Imagine leaving an AirTag on a set of keys while you go on a business trip, and having it drive your family crazy beeping away because you failed to take it with you.

The irony is that it was the Washington Post that published an extremely damning article on how the AirTag would be used by stalkers - the same Washington Post owned by Jeff Bezos, whose own Amazon Sidewalk mesh network is going online next week. I would bet any amount of money that the Post won't be publishing any stories on how Sidewalk-enabled devices will be abused by stalkers.

I almost typed the same business trip example too but didn't bother with the second example. LOL

emoeller

said about 2 years ago

Here is info on the firmware version and how to check it...

The new version of AirTag software build rolling out today is build number 1A276d and firmware version 1.0.276. This is up from the previous firmware version of 1.0.225, which is the version that AirTags shipped with at launch.

On your iPhone, open the Find My application, then choose the Items tab in the bottom navigation bar. Then, choose your AirTag from the list of items and tap on the name of your AirTag. Doing this should reveal the serial number and firmware version of your AirTag.

Again, if your AirTag does not show that it’s running the latest firmware, there is no way to force it to update. Instead, just make sure your AirTag is in range of your iPhone, and it should automatically update.