February 10, 2022: Apple-made Statements: AirTag has been a valuable tool for users to track personal belongings through the Find My app. However, Apple recognizes the importance of privacy and safety and condemns any misuse of its products for unwanted tracking purposes.
Empowering Users to Locate Valuables
AirTag, integrated with the Find My app, allows users to track personal items like keys, wallets, purses, backpacks, and luggage, ensuring their belongings are never misplaced. Since its launch last April, countless users have shared heartwarming stories of how AirTag facilitated the retrieval of their cherished possessions.
For instance, a customer who misplaced his wallet on the subway could pinpoint its location at a station across town, thanks to AirTag and Find Me. Another user utilized AirTag placed inside a medical kit to locate critical medicine lost on a bus, ensuring their child’s well-being.
Promoting Privacy and Condemning Misuse
Apple emphasizes that AirTag’s purpose is solely to aid in locating personal belongings, not to track individuals or other people’s property. The company strongly denounces any malicious use of its products for unwanted tracking. Understanding the gravity of unwanted tracking as a societal issue, Apple prioritized privacy in AirTag’s design, implementing end-to-end encryption.
Proactive Safety Measures
To address concerns regarding unwanted tracking, Apple introduced a groundbreaking proactive system. The Find My network offers an added layer of security, enabling early alerts for potential unwanted tracking. Apple aspires to set an industry standard, encouraging others to adopt similar proactive safety measures.
Mitigating Unwanted Tracking Instances
Apple acknowledges that benign circumstances may trigger unwanted tracking alerts, such as borrowing keys with an attached AirTag or having family members’ AirPods in the car. Additionally, some bad actors may attempt to misuse AirTag for malicious or criminal purposes.
Collaboration with Safety Groups and Law Enforcement
Apple collaborates closely with safety organizations and law enforcement agencies to address AirTag-related concerns. Evaluations and discussions have led to identifying additional ways to enhance AirTag safety warnings and prevent further unwanted tracking incidents.
Continued efforts by Apple aim to ensure AirTag remains a valuable tool for users while upholding privacy and security standards.
1. Privacy Warnings During AirTag Setup: In an upcoming software update, users setting up their AirTag will receive clear warnings that AirTag is meant for tracking personal belongings only. Tracking people without consent is illegal, and law enforcement can request the owner’s information.
2. Addressing Alert Issues for AirPods: Users reporting “Unknown Accessory Detected” alerts will see updates specifying that AirPods have been detected, not an AirTag. The alert will be modified accordingly.
3. Updated Support Documentation: Apple will update its unwanted tracking support article on apple.com to provide detailed explanations and visuals of unwanted tracking alerts. It will include instructions for disabling an AirTag, AirPods, or Find My network accessory. Additionally, resources for personal safety will be provided.
4. Advancements Coming to AirTag and Find My Network:
- Precision Finding: iPhone 11, iPhone 12, and iPhone 13 users can precisely locate an unknown AirTag through a combination of sound, haptics, and visual feedback.
- Display Alert with Sound: When an AirTag emits a sound, an alert will display on the user’s device for quick action.
- Refining Unwanted Tracking Alert Logic: The unwanted tracking alert system will be updated to notify users earlier about an unknown AirTag or Find My network accessory.
- Tuning AirTag’s Sound: The sound sequence for unwanted tracking alerts will be adjusted to make an unknown AirTag more easily findable.
Apple remains committed to improving safety and privacy features across its products and services. User feedback is valued, and Apple will continue innovating to prevent unwanted tracking.