Apple has begun to release developer and public betas of its upcoming iOS 15.4 update, which includes a number of new features like the option to utilize Face ID with a mask. The business has now brought out the much-needed anti-stalking features for the AirTag with the recent iOS 15.4 beta 4 release.
Apple has begun incorporating the new anti-stalking capabilities announced recently with the current iOS 15.4 beta 4 updates. These features are designed to deter users from following others or stealing cars with AirTags. It adds a new warning message to the AirTag setup page that emphasizes the legal ramifications of using Airtags for illegal purposes.
“In many parts of the world, using this gadget to track someone without their consent is illegal. The new setup screen reads, “This item is designed to be discovered by victims and to enable law enforcement to obtain identifying information about the owner.”
Users should be aware that AirTags are only intended to track items such as wallets, bags, or keys, not humans or pets.
Aside from that, Apple has made a few small changes to the Find My app. The option to turn off “Item Safety Alerts” in the app has been removed. Instead, Apple now provides the options to “Customize Find My Notifications” and “Customize Tracking Notification,” which both take you to the app’s Notifications settings.
Additional Changes to be Added Soon
Apple has also announced that the Find My App will be improved to better recognize unexpected accessories. The app currently displays an “Unknown Accessory Detected” notification to users if it detects AirPods or any other Find My Network accessory. It will soon change, as the Find My app will provide the actual product name of an unknown Find My-supported gadget, removing any uncertainty about non-AirTag devices. This was also a part of the previously announced AirTag update.
Apple is likely to introduce features such as an unwelcome tracking alarm system, louder AirTag sounds, and enhanced Precision Finding in the future. Users will be able to simply trace an AirTag that is being used for unwanted tracking.
Following several allegations of unwanted stalking and other criminal activities via AirTags, Apple began to prioritize privacy improvements for its Bluetooth-based monitoring gadget. Last year, the business released an Android app to detect unknown AirTags, and it also produced an in-depth AirTag safety guide to help customers avoid privacy risks. The preceding is yet another step to ensuring that the device is used for good.
It is unclear whether Apple will keep these anti-stalking capabilities in the final version of the iOS 15.4 update, which is due out soon. We’ll keep you updated on this, so stay tuned for further information.
