Apple Enhances AirTags For Security, Will Roll Out Android App This Year
Image via Apple
Just a little more than a month since Apple launched its AirTags, the tech giant is now making tweaks to the sensors in a new update.
Previously, users would only be notified if they were being tracked by an AirTag after three days. Now, the ‘beeping’ window has been shortened to between eight and 24 hours, when the AirTags will emit sounds randomly to alert the person it may be attached to.
Another major update from the firm is that Apple is planning to launch an Android app for AirTags later this year. This will help those with Android devices “detect” an AirTag that could be attached to them unknowingly, as per CNET.
“The recent introduction of the AirTag included industry-first proactive features that discourage unwanted tracking,” Apple said, adding that it was working on improving the AirTags’ privacy and security.
While Apple did insist the AirTags were stalker-proof, privacy advocates had raised concerns over the different ways the device could be used to stalk people, instead of locating lost keys and bags, which was what the sensors were intended for.
With this new security update, it seems Apple has taken the feedback into consideration, and is updating the AirTags to make them less likely to be used to track an unwitting person. Those with an iPhone will also be immediately alerted should a foreign AirTag be traveling with them.
The update will be automatically rolled out to AirTags within range of an iPhone.
Apple has remained tight-lipped about the Android app, saying more details will be shared later in the year.
[via CNET, cover image via Apple]
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