Apple updates AirTags to fix major privacy issues
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Apple announced earlier today that an important update is rolling out to its new AirTags, which is meant to address privacy concerns raised by many users soon after the gadget’s market launch.
It’s enough to slip an AirTag into someone’s backpack and you’ll be able to track the person for as long as it carries it. The privacy issue doesn’t affect iPhone users, since they will be notified if a stranger’s AirTag is moving with them for a certain period of time (usually several hours).
Until now, Android users would only be notified after three days if they would be stalked/tracked by someone with the help of an AirTag. Thankfully, Apple announced that it’s now rolling out an update that addresses this privacy issue.
Following up on our commitment to continue to improve AirTag’s privacy and security, starting today we will be updating the time period after which an AirTag that is separated from its owner will play a sound when moved. This time period is changing from three days to a random time between 8 and 24 hours.
Obviously, Apple is referring to Android users who will now be notified if any AirTags are moving with them for up to 24 hours. In addition to the new update, Apple confirmed that an Android app that will be able to detect AirTags will be released soon.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which users were primarily affected by the privacy issues before this update?
Which users were primarily affected by the privacy issues before this update?
Android users were most affected, as they were only notified after three days if an AirTag was moving with them. IPhone users already received earlier notifications.
Q.How quickly will an AirTag separated from its owner now alert people to its presence?
How quickly will an AirTag separated from its owner now alert people to its presence?
The time period for an AirTag separated from its owner to play a sound when moved is changing from three days to a random time between 8 and 24 hours.
Q.Does Apple plan any further measures to address AirTag tracking concerns for Android users?
Does Apple plan any further measures to address AirTag tracking concerns for Android users?
Yes, Apple confirmed an Android app that will be able to detect AirTags will be released soon, in addition to the recent update.
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