Apple Brings Anti-Stalker Feature to AirTags

Photo: Doc. Apple

JAKARTA - Apple is trying to prevent AirTag users from being stalked by strangers, by updating the device tracking ecosystem and introducing a new anti-stalker feature.

The firmware update was long overdue for one reason or another, but now with the arrival of a new anti-stalker, it's easier for users to spot unknown AirTags in their surroundings.

The anti-stalker feature is part of Apple's efforts to ensure bad actors don't abuse devices by stalking others.

It is known that stalking issues first surfaced in May 2021 when an investigative report from The Washington Post showed how easy it is to follow someone with an AirTag.

Just placing it on someone, like putting it in a bag, it can send an accurate location to iPhone every few minutes, even detailing the exact address.

Citing TechRadar, Sunday, December 25, now with Firmware Update 2.0.24, the Precision Finding feature will be able to find unknown AirTags if it detects someone moving with the user.

In addition, users will also receive an iPhone notification informing them when an AirTag separated from their owner is traveling with other people, and the AirTag will start making a sound so that its position can be found.

Firmware Update 2.0.36 also brings a bug patch in that the AirTag accelerometer does not activate in certain scenarios. This fix will help iPhone detect more accurately if a user's AirTag, or one placed on their person, is moving.

For information, this new Firmware Update and its anti-stalker feature are launched automatically, so users don't need to manually search for and run them, and it is certain that they have installed iOS 16.2 or later on their iPhone.

There is also a basic requirement that the iPhone must support Ultra Wideband, a technology that gives the smartphone spatial awareness. Means the user must use an iPhone 11 or later.

Most countries in the world support Ultra Wideband but be aware that some do not, such as Indonesia and Armenia.