Apple’s AirTags are indispensable for tracking down a missing purse or wayward suitcase, but the large lozenge shape isn’t ideal for all Find My scenarios. Third-party accessory makers have stepped in with a range of Find My trackers—Julio Ojeda-Zapata looks at a wallet, several wallet cards, a mobile charger, and a travel lock.
The new AirTag needs new software—no surprise there. More interesting are the updates Apple pushed to iOS versions dating back to iOS 12, extending certificates that would otherwise expire in January 2027.
Apple’s second-generation AirTag arrives with a new Ultra Wideband chip that extends Precision Finding range by 50%, a speaker that’s 50% louder, and Precision Finding support on the Apple Watch Series 9 or later.
The upcoming iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS 15.2 Sequoia releases, now in public beta, let you securely share a link to a lost AirTag or other Find My item with anyone. You’ll also soon have a special way to share tracking links directly with airlines when your luggage is missing or delayed.
Apple has released a large set of operating system updates, including iOS 17.5, iPadOS 17.5, macOS 14.5 Sonoma, watchOS 10.5, tvOS 17.5, HomePod Software 17.5, macOS Ventura 13.6.7, macOS Monterey 12.7.5, iOS 16.7.8, and iPadOS 16.7.8. New features include alerts for Android-paired tracking devices moving with you and a new game and leaderboard for Apple News+ subscribers.
Google’s new Find My Device network works nearly identically to Apple’s Find My network with a few exceptions: Google’s design offers more anti-stalking and privacy features than Apple.
In response to a surge of car thefts, the New York Police Department recommends the city’s car owners install an AirTag to help with stolen vehicle recovery. Meanwhile, Apple and Google have partnered on a new industry standard to provide consistent anti-tracking protection for devices that can track object locations persistently.
Ever wondered what happens to donated old running shoes? Reuters decided to verify the claims that they would be recycled into playgrounds by tracking them with AirTags. Spoiler—no playgrounds were built with the tracked shoes.
German airline Lufthansa set off a firestorm when it claimed that AirTags aren’t allowed in checked baggage, but it was a simple case of confusion about regulations.
Is your AirTag still not working after replacing the battery? The most common cause is that certain batteries from Duracell have a bitterant coating that renders them unpalatable to small children and AirTags.
Apple’s AirTag and other Find My trackers—along with Find My-tracked Apple devices—may be too aggressive about telling you where they are—or aren’t. They can be useful for tracking luggage and other valuables while traveling, particularly with others, but you will likely need to tune your settings to reduce notifications.
Tired of getting unnecessary “AirTag Found Moving With You” alerts when you borrow your spouse’s keys? Here’s how you can disable those alerts, at least for a day.
Apple has released an AirTag firmware update that makes it easier to hear the alert sound from an unwanted AirTag.
What’s in your wallet? The credit card-sized Chipolo Card Spot location tracker puts Apple’s powerful Find My network in your wallet to make it easier to find if lost.
New York Times privacy reporter Kashmir Hill used an AirTag, a Tile, and a GPS device to track her husband’s every move (with his consent). It’s a fascinating story of how well the different products worked and how creepy it felt.