November 11, 2024
UPDATE
Apple Introduces Location Sharing for Lost Items via Find My
A new beta feature in iOS 18.2 allows users to share a secure link that reveals the location of an AirTag or Find My network accessory with third parties, such as airlines.
Apple has launched Share Item Location, an innovative iOS feature designed to assist users in tracking down lost belongings by sharing the location of an AirTag or Find My network accessory with third parties like airlines. Currently available in beta across most global regions as part of the iOS 18.2 public beta, this feature will soon roll out to all users as a free update for iPhone Xs and newer models. Privacy and security are central to Find My; shared location information will cease as soon as the user retrieves their item, can be terminated by the owner at any time, and automatically expires after seven days.
“Find My is an essential tool for users worldwide to keep track of and locate their belongings,” stated Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services. “The combination of the Find My network and AirTag has proven invaluable for users while traveling, offering critical location data when luggage is lost or mishandled. With Share Item Location, we’re thrilled to provide users a straightforward way to share this information directly with third parties like airlines, all while safeguarding their privacy.”
Users can create a Share Item Location link using the Find My app on their iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Those who receive the link can access a website displaying the item’s location on an interactive map, which updates in real-time and shows the latest timestamp.
In the upcoming months, over 15 airlines catering to millions globally—such as Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Air New Zealand, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, and Lufthansa—will incorporate Find My item location information into their procedures for locating mishandled or delayed luggage. More airlines will be added progressively.
Apple has collaborated directly with these partner airlines to establish systems for securely accepting Share Item Location, utilizing the vast number of Apple devices already available in many airlines. Access to each link will be restricted to a select group of individuals, requiring authentication through either an Apple Account or an authorized email address.
“We are excited to integrate Share Item Location into our baggage recovery operations, enhancing the experience for our customers,” said David Kinzelman, chief customer officer at United. “With many of our clients traveling with AirTags in their checked bags, this feature will facilitate secure and efficient sharing of location information, aiding our customer service personnel and providing greater peace of mind for our customers. We aim to implement this service across select airports initially, with a full rollout expected by early 2025.”
“While over 99% of checked luggage reaches its destination without issue, we understand the stress associated with lost items,” noted Erik Snell, Delta Air Lines’ senior vice president of Airport Customer Service. “Supporting Share Item Location will provide our team with additional tools to reunite lost items efficiently with their owners. Developed alongside Apple, this innovative solution will streamline our efforts in locating lost items.”
“By utilizing Find My item locations, we can enhance the reassurance for travelers using AirTags in their luggage,” said Annalisa Gigante, head of innovation at IAG, which encompasses British Airways, Iberia, Vueling, Aer Lingus, and LEVEL. “Our commitment to leveraging innovative solutions ensures the swift delivery of checked bags, and we anticipate integrating this feature into our lost baggage operations shortly.”
SITA, a leading provider of air transport technology, will also incorporate Share Item Location into WorldTracer, the baggage-tracking system utilized by over 500 airlines and ground handlers at more than 2,800 airports worldwide.
“As the premier provider of comprehensive baggage management solutions, our collaboration with Apple will streamline the implementation of Share Item Location for improved luggage management, benefitting travelers as air traffic continues to grow,” stated Nicole Hogg, SITA’s director of Baggage. “We eagerly await the widespread adoption of this feature within the industry to complement existing tracking tools.”
Built upon the Find My network, Share Item Location utilizes Bluetooth technology across over one billion Apple devices to detect nearby lost items and relay their approximate locations back to the owner. This entire process is end-to-end encrypted and remains anonymous, ensuring that no one apart from the owner—including Apple and accessory manufacturers—can access the item’s location or information.
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