Apple said it's updating how it handles its AirTags sensors, including changing when they sound a warning when they're away from their owner and making efforts to warn individuals when an unexpected AirTag or Find My network-enabled item is close.
The Cupertino giant announced on Thursday that it has begun sending out updates to its AirTags, which will change the timeframe during which they will produce sounds if they are being used to track another person. The Apple device was supposed to play in three days at first. It will now start playing at random times inside a window that will last between 8 and 24 hours.
Apple's solution for keeping track of daily stuff, AirTags, was released earlier this year. Apple portrays people discovering their missing keys or luggage with the trackers attached in its marketing. However, there have been worries that the AirTags are being used to track people without their permission, and we've seen multiple reports since their debut indicating that certain changes were needed to make the devices more privacy-conscious for everyone.
Apple is also starting to develop an Android app that will allow users to spot potentially unwelcome trackers. The Android app will be available “later this year,” and will be able to detect AirTags as well as other Find My network accessories like the Chipolo tracker.
Although eight to 24 hours is still a long time to be followed without knowing it, it's encouraging to see Apple trying to address some of the public's worries. According to CNET, the update should happen immediately when an AirTag comes into proximity with an iPhone, much like AirPods silently receiving updates.
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