Our colleagues from MacRumors discovered a new feature of the Find My app after installing the second beta version of iOS 18.2 on their iPhone. Now Apple will let you temporarily share the location of a lost AirTag with “an airline or a trusted person”.
Also read: We tested the AirTag for less than €10 at Action – here is our opinion
How do I share an AirTag with a third party?
As shown in the beta for developers, Apple has made improvements to the application that allows you to keep an eye on your AirTags, and all the devices connected to your Apple account. On the page dedicated to a tag, you will now find a “Share the location of an object” option.
The application will then generate a link which can be sent to anyone, such as the airline employee who helps you find a lost suitcase. Until now, Apple reserved sharing an AirTag for your phone’s contact list. Last year, Apple added the ability to continuously share the location of an AirTag with up to five other people.
If the recipient has an Apple-branded device, like an iPhone or iPad, the link will launch the Find My app, giving someone else access to the item’s location lost. On other devices, such as an Android smartphone, the app will open a web page showing on a map the last known location of the object. In any case, the option can help a third party spot an AirTag slipped into a bag or suitcase.
“Get help finding your lost item by sharing its location with an airline or someone you trust. The person who opens the link will be able to see the position of your object for a limited time »explains Apple in the Find application.
In fact, the AirTag can be located by the third party for a week. You can also revoke access once you have recovered your property. It is also possible to see how many people viewed the link you shared. Finally, Apple will let third parties “see your phone number and email address”at your request. This sharing of information should allow the individual who finds your AirTag to contact you easily.
The sharing option works with all devices connected to the network Find from Apple, including with third-party tags, such as those manufactured by Belkin or Sitecom.
Note that this is not the only new feature in the iOS 18.2 update. Expected at the beginning of December 2024, the update introduces many new features powered by Apple Intelligence, and marks the arrival of ChatGPT in the interface.
AirTag and airlines
For the record, airlines have always had a mixed relationship with the AirTag. While many travelers use tags to find their lost luggage, the AirTag was considered dangerous for a time by some airlines.
This is the case for Lufthansa. The German airline had “prohibits activated AirTags in luggage, as they are classified as dangerous and must be deactivated”highlighting the emission of frequencies likely to disrupt aircraft. Lufthansa ended up changing its mind, following the recommendations of the German air force.
Apple also reacted by ensuring that its trackers are “actually complies with international airline travel security regulations for carry-on and checked baggage.” We can bet that iOS 18.2 will finally reconcile airlines with AirTag.
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Source :
MacRumors
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