Apple released their third beta of iOS 14.5 earlier this week, and now a new safety feature for the yet-to-be-announced Apple AirTags has been discovered in this new beta.
The new Safety Feature is designed to stop people from using AirTags and other trackers to track you. It will notify you on your device if someone has placed a tracker or AirTag near you. This is a significant step forward in personal security, as it addresses concerns about privacy and unauthorized tracking.
How the Safety Feature Works
This setting can be changed, and you can decide to turn it off, although this would mean that you will not be notified if an AirTag is placed near you. The feature works by leveraging the Find My network, which is already used for locating lost Apple devices. When an unknown AirTag is detected moving with you, your iPhone will alert you with a notification. This proactive approach helps ensure that you are aware of any potential tracking devices that may have been placed on your person or belongings without your consent.
We have been hearing rumors about the new Apple AirTags for some time. The devices are expected to launch soon, possibly some time this month. AirTags are small, circular devices that can be attached to items like keys, wallets, or bags to help you keep track of them using the Find My app.
Implications for Privacy and Security
The introduction of this safety feature is particularly relevant in today’s world, where concerns about privacy and security are paramount. Unauthorized tracking has been a growing issue, with various reports of people using tracking devices to stalk or monitor others without their knowledge. By incorporating this feature, Apple is taking a proactive stance in protecting user privacy and ensuring that their devices cannot be misused for malicious purposes.
For example, if someone were to slip an AirTag into your bag without your knowledge, your iPhone would detect the unfamiliar device and alert you. This gives you the opportunity to locate and remove the AirTag, thereby preventing any unauthorized tracking. This feature not only enhances personal security but also builds trust in Apple’s ecosystem by demonstrating their commitment to user privacy.
Something I hadn’t considered before: new beta includes a Item Safety setting in Find My. This is how Apple is trying to prevent ‘stalking’ with AirTags. If someone secretly hides a tag in your possessions, your phone will notice and warn you about it. pic.twitter.com/NVJyAZlthw
— Benjamin Mayo (@bzamayo) March 4, 2021
The potential applications for AirTags are vast. They can be used to keep track of everyday items, ensuring that you never lose your keys or wallet again. Additionally, they can be attached to more valuable items, such as cameras or laptops, providing an extra layer of security. The integration with the Find My app means that you can easily locate any item with an AirTag attached, using the same interface you already use to find your iPhone or other Apple devices.
The new safety feature in iOS 14.5 beta is a welcome addition that addresses significant privacy concerns. By alerting users to the presence of unknown tracking devices, Apple is taking a strong stance on user privacy and security. As we await the official release of AirTags, it is clear that Apple is committed to ensuring that their products are not only innovative but also safe and secure for all users.
Source Benjamin Mayo, MacRumors
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