AirTag prevents tracking attempts on Apple and Google accessories.

Apple and Google’s collaborative effort proposes an industry standard to combat undesired tracking through AirTag and similar accessories. This initiative aims to thwart unethical use for clandestine tracking across iOS and Android platforms.

The newly crafted specification is unparalleled, enabling Bluetooth location-tracking devices to integrate with unapproved tracking detection and warning systems on both iOS and Android platforms. Companies like Samsung, Tile, Chipolo, eufy Security, and Pebblebee have expressed support for the preliminary specification, offering manufacturers guidelines to incorporate these features.

Apple’s Vice President of Sensing and Connectivity, Ron Huang, emphasized AirTag’s goal of providing users assurance about their valuable items’ whereabouts. AirTag and the Find My network feature proactive elements to prevent unwarranted tracking, an industry-first. Apple continually enhances these features to ensure technology is used as intended. The latest industry specification, developed with Google, signifies a major step in addressing unwanted tracking on iOS and Android platforms, building upon AirTag’s existing safeguards.

In addition to input from device manufacturers, the specification’s development integrates feedback from various safety and advocacy groups. Submitted to the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) as an Internet-Draft, the document welcomes interested parties to review and offer comments over the next three months. Apple and Google will consider this feedback to refine the specification.

The goal is to launch a production implementation of the specification by the end of 2023. This implementation will facilitate alerts for unwanted tracking and will find support in upcoming versions of iOS and Android.