Apple has released a new app that allows users to detect if there is an AirTag following them. It's useful for non-Apple users who are concerned about being a victim of high-tech stalking.
The app's description states that it looks for item trackers that are separated from their owner and compatible with Apple's Find My network. AirTag and compatible devices from other companies are included in these item trackers. If you think someone is using AirTag or another device to track your location, you can try to find it.
Privacy and security concerns were quickly met with Apple's new AirTag trackers. It's pretty convenient to use these tags to keep track of your keys and wallet. Being tracked by a stalker without your knowledge is not great.
Apple implemented a few features to help prevent AirTag abuse. Automatic detection of any unknown AirTags following you, the ability to turn off said AirTags, and having them emit a noise if they're separated from their phone for three days were included in this. The audio alert was changed in June to be activated at a random time.
The features were only available for iPhone users. Apple's Tracker Detect app will allow users of the app to check if they're being shadowed by AirTags.
Tracker Detect appears to be a handy safety tool, but it isn't without flaws. Users have started leaving negative reviews on the Play store for Apple's app that requires manual activation of its scans. If someone planted an AirTag on you recently, you would probably not open the app and check it out. If it was automatically scanning all the time, it could potentially drain your phone's battery.
"DetectTracker gives users the ability to use their device to track items without knowing they are travelling with them," an Apple spokesman told Mashable. We are raising the bar on privacy for our users and hope others will do the same.
There will be a new version of Dec. 14, 2021, 12:26 p.m. The AirTag's audio alert feature has been updated with a comment from Apple.
