Apple has added AirTags to its extensive “Personal Safety Handbook”. The document explains to users in detail how iPhones & Co can be protected from a suspicious partner, for example – and how surveillance attempts made with Apple’s services by trusted people can be detected.
Track foreign AirTags
New is the chapter on “Stay safe with AirTag”, the manual is still not available in German. If you find an AirTag that doesn’t belong to you, you can view the serial number and deactivate the tracker, Apple writes there. The company also emphasizes that iPhones and iPads (from iOS 14.5) warn their owners if a foreign AirTag moves in the vicinity of the devices for a certain period of time. This allows the owner of the AirTag to see its location. This also applies to accessories that are integrated into Apple’s “Where is?” network, such as certain Bluetooth trackers from the manufacturer Chipolo.
For Android users, Apple recommends using its “Tracker Detect” app to locate AirTags. There is no automatic tracking warning on Android smartphones. AirTags play a sound when they are separated from their owner’s iPhone for a long time, but according to the latest information after 8 hours at the earliest. In our test, an AirTag had a maximum level of 73 decibels at a measuring distance of one meter. However, if the AirTag is buried deep in a pocket or attached to the outside of the car, you may not be able to hear the warning tone.
Reports of AirTag stalking
Users who see themselves as threatened should then contact the police, Apple explains. The AirTag, or at least its serial number, should be passed on to law enforcement agencies – theoretically, this is how the owner can be identified.
The update to the Apple manual comes after a growing number of reports of suspected AirTag stalking and misuse of AirTags by car thieves, for example. Apple has not yet announced any new protective functions for the AirTags. In addition to finding keys, the compact tags are also used for other purposes and attract media attention – for example when monitoring one’s own moving boxes when transporting furniture or to check where post is ultimately delivered.
(lbe)