Apple recently disseminated two firmware updates for the AirTag item tracker. Unfortunately, Apple didn’t post a changelist after either update leaving AirTag users in the dark about any new capabilities for the device. But Apple has just released a support page (via 9to5Mac) titled “What’s new in firmware updates for AirTag?” that goes on to answer the question.
The first listing, AirTag firmware update 2.0.36, “resolves an issue with the accelerometer not activating in certain scenarios.” Considering that the accelerometer is used to track movement of the AirTag, it obviously is important to have this sensor working so that the product can do its job. This update was released on December 12th.
A little more than a month earlier, on November 10th, Apple released firmware update 2.0.24 which sends you a notification to let you know that an unknown AirTag is traveling along with you. A sound alert lets you know that this rogue AirTag has been moved. With the use of Precision Finding, you can more easily pinpoint the location of the unknown tracker. So let’s say that someone has hidden an AirTag in your car or in your suitcase or somewhere else in order to keep track of your movements. With the update, you’ll be alerted to the presence of an unknown AirTag following you around, quickly find it and disable it.
AirTags can be used to stalk unsuspecting victims
A sound alert from the Find My app on your iPhone will tell you that the unknown AirTag has been moved. Precision Finding uses the U1 Ultra-Wideband chip to deliver the location of a rogue AirTag with more precision. This chip is found on the iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, and iPhone 14 series. Earlier iPhone models rely on Bluetooth connectivity which does not deliver such precise location data.
AirTag stalking has become a real problem and Apple is hoping that by allowing the Precision Finding feature to help victims more easily find and disable rogue AirTags, stalkers can have their connection cut off before committing any physical harm. This feature requires your iPhone to be on and running iOS 16.2 or later.
