Find My's Share Item Location arriving in iOS 18.2

Apple's update for Find My in iOS 18.2 will let users share the location of AirTags with other people, which could help airlines track down your lost luggage faster.

AirTags have been extremely useful for keeping track of important items, especially luggage. However, as they are linked to an account, you can't easily share the location of the item with others.

On Monday, Apple said it will be adding a feature called Share Item Location, usable with its Find My network. The feature, simply put, will let users share the position of an AirTag or a Find My network accessory with someone else.

The idea is that it can be shared with someone you trust, who may be able to retrieve the tagged item on your behalf if you cannot, for example.

This isn't just limited to people, as Apple says it will be sharable with airlines. In theory, this could help an airline discover your lost luggage quickly within an airport or its transit system, increasing the chance of its safe return.

More than 15 airlines will be supporting the feature in the coming months, including Air Canada, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, Qantas, and Virgin Atlantic. More airlines are expected to be added over time.

For security, only a few people at an airline will be able to view the link, with recipients required to authenticate before viewing the location.

The sharing of the tag isn't permanent, as it will be disabled as soon as it is reunited with its owner. Sharing can also be stopped at any time by the user, and will automatically expire after seven days.

A Share Item Location link can be generated and shared from Find My on the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The link will open a website with an interactive map, updating the location and timestamp of the most recent tag ping.

"The Find My network and AirTag have proven to be a powerful combination for users while traveling, providing invaluable location information when bags have been misplaced or mishandled," said Apple SVP of Services Eddy Cue. "With Share Item Location, we're excited to give users a new way to easily share this information directly with third parties like airlines, all while protecting their privacy."

Share Item Location will be available as an update to iOS 18.2 running on an iPhone Xs or later model. It will also be accessible as part of Apple's current OS beta cycle.