A new iOS 14.5 feature could soon help users find out if someone is tracking them without their knowledge.
As 9to5Mac reports, a new safety feature called “Item Safety Alerts” is available in iOS 14.5’s beta version.
The feature acts in tandem with Apple’s yet-to-be-released AirTags trackers. As part of the Find My app, the Item Safety Alerts feature would notify users if an unknown item was found to be moving with you.
That “unknown item” would mean an AirTag not registered to you. Someone could toss an AirTag into your bag, your car, or belongings. Then, bad actors could track your whereabouts with it without your knowledge.
This would be an incredibly simple way to harass individuals. Or, AirTags could even be used to help criminals track victims. There’s a litany of ways the tags could be abused in favor of those who want to do harm.
Luckily, Apple has already established a way to keep any of that from happening. For those unconcerned with AirTags or their unscrupulous uses, alerts can can be turned off. Before doing so, there’s a very clear warning from Apple letting users know they’ll no longer receive notifications for any unidentified items.
Apple’s AirTags have yet to receive an official reveal. They’re said to be similar to third-party Bluetooth item tracker Tile, which you can affix or attach to an item to track via the Tile application. Popular uses are for keys, wallets, and other important items that users don’t want to lose.
It’s unclear when Apple will finally introduce or release AirTags, but given the addition of the Find My app feature in iOS 14.5’s beta, it looks like they’re on their way. It’s possible the AirTags may be introduced this fall alongside a potential new iPhone model.
