Apple and Google have joined forces to introduce a new industry specification called Detecting Unwanted Location Trackers for Bluetooth tracking devices. This specification enables users on both iOS and Android platforms to receive alerts if an unknown Bluetooth tracking device is being used to track them without their knowledge. The implementation of this capability is now live on iOS 17.5 for Apple devices and Android 6.0+ devices for Google.
Users will now receive an alert labeled '[Item] Found Moving With You' on their devices if an unfamiliar Bluetooth tracking device is detected moving with them over time, regardless of the device's platform compatibility.
If an alert is triggered on an iOS device, it indicates that another person's AirTag, Find My accessory, or a Bluetooth tracker compliant with the industry specification is in close proximity. While it could be attached to an item the user is borrowing, users can view the tracker's identifier, prompt the tracker to emit a sound for easier location, and access instructions to deactivate it. Notably, manufacturers like Chipolo, eufy, Jio, Motorola, and Pebblebee have committed to ensuring future tags are compatible with this feature.
Apple emphasizes that AirTag and third-party Find My network accessories were designed with privacy and safety at the forefront. The collaboration between Apple and Google, a first in the industry involving community and industry input, aims to provide guidance and best practices for manufacturers interested in integrating unwanted tracking alert capabilities into their products. Both companies will continue to engage with the Internet Engineering Task Force through the Detecting Unwanted Location Trackers working group to establish the official standard for this technology.
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