Apple hints at Android app for AirTags, new update discourages unwanted tracking

Apple’s AirTag trackers have been on the market for about a month and a new firmware update is now rolling out to Apple’s pretty, round trackers as CNET reports. The new update changes the way that the AirTag alerts passersby of a lost tracker in the vicinity. It is also changing the time window for when it will make a sound to alert others of a lost tracker.

Prior to the update, AirTag trackers would only emit a noise after three days of being lost. As a way to prevent users from using AirTags to track people without their knowledge, the lost AirTag will now play a sound within a time windows of between 8 and 24 hours.

Apple says in a statement that this change should “discourage unwanted tracking”. If someone finds an unwanted AirTag, that person will be able to tap it with an iPhone or NFC-device and get instructions on how to disable its tracking.

CNET reports that Apple declined to offer more details about AirTag and Find My accessories compatibility with Android but says it would share more details “later this year”.

The AirTag firmware update is now rolling out to AirTag devices as of Thursday. The AirTag will automatically update when in the vicinity of an iPhone.

Source