Apple and Google Launch Bluetooth Tracking Device Detection Feature on iOS and Android

JAKARTA – Apple and Google launched technology to detect unwanted location trackers into their latest operating systems. Now, this feature can be found on iOS 17.5 and Android 6.0 and above.

Apple, through its official broadcast, explained that this feature was created to warn users that a Bluetooth tracking device was being used to follow them. Apple and Google deliberately created this feature to maintain user security.

Currently, there are many Bluetooth tracking devices used to prevent the loss of valuables such as AirTag, Find My Device, or other tracking devices. Unfortunately, these various tools can be used to carry out bad actions.

"It's possible that trackers are attached to items that users borrow," Apple said. "iPhone can see the tracker's identifier, make the tracker make a sound to help find it, and access instructions to disable it."

Even though it was made by Apple and Google, this feature does not only work on Bluetooth technology made by Apple and Google. Bluetooth tracking devices from other manufacturers, such as Chipolo, eufy, Jio, Motorola, and Pebblebee, can also be detected.

According to Apple's explanation, users will get an alert on their phones that says, "(Tracking Item) Found Moving With You." However, it is not explained whether this feature can work without needing to be activated first.

The creation of the Unwanted Location Tracker Detection feature was the first cross-platform collaboration involving input from the community and industry. Careful preparation is needed so that this security feature works optimally.

Going forward, Apple and Google will continue to partner with the Internet Engineering Task Force through the group working on the collaboration feature. This cooperation will be maintained until both companies develop official standards for the technology.