Apple is going to make stalking with the AirTag more difficult by warning people about peepers earlier. An Android app for the Apple tracker is also coming.
Stalking via AirTag is getting harder
In conversation with CNET Apple has announced new features for the AirTag. The main improvement is that it becomes more difficult to stalk someone with the tracker.
For example, did someone put an AirTag in your bag? Then the tracker will sound an alarm within 8 and 24 hours by playing a sound. This happens at a random time within this framework, so the stalker cannot respond to this. Currently the ‘antistalking’ of the AirTag only works after three days.
Android app for AirTag is coming
Furthermore, Apple says it is working on a special AirTag app for Android phones. This can scan whether the person happens to be carrying an AirTag belonging to someone else. If this is the case, the app gives a signal to prevent stalking.
Currently, the AirTag does not work well with Android phones. People with a Samsung, Huawei or, for example, Xiaomi phone can scan a lost AirTag to find out its owner, but are not actively protected against stalking (apart from the alarm after three days).
The AirTag Android app will be released “later” this year. With the new anti-stalking function you can get started right away. To do this, you must first update the firmware of your AirTag. This is done automatically by placing the tracker close to the paired iPhone.
→ Read also: You can use the AirTag in these 6 ways
Concerns about privacy
Earlier this year, Apple released the AirTag. Almost immediately there was a fuss in the media because the tracker could be used for all kinds of bad things, such as stalking. Apple is responding to this by occasionally rolling out features that improve the privacy of the AirTag.