Apple has announced plans to update its AirTag product to prevent unwanted tracking, an issue which has been reported following its launch last year.

Airtags are designed to help users keep track of personal items like their keys, wallet, purse and backpack using the ‘Find My’ app. However, there have been media reports that the device is being used to track people.

In multiple cases, people received notifications from their iPhone that read “unknown accessory detected”, which indicated that someone was using an AirTag to track them.

The tech giant said it has been actively working with law enforcement on any AirTag-related requests they receive. The company added that these incidents are rare but “each instance is one too many”.

“AirTag was designed to help people locate their personal belongings, not to track people or another person’s property, and we condemn in the strongest possible terms any malicious use of our products,” Apple said in a statement.

Upcoming changes

To help prevent this issue, Apple said it is putting new privacy warnings in an upcoming software update to try deter potential stalkers.

Once installed, every user that sets up their AirTag for the first time will see a message explaining that the AirTag is meant to track their own belongings, that using AirTag to track people without consent is a crime in many regions around the world and that the AirTag can detected by victims.

The message will also explain that law enforcement can request identifying information about the owner of an AirTag.

Apple also plans to change the alert notification to make it clearer if an AirTag is detected instead of an “unknown accessory”.

To keep users informed, the tech company said it has updated its unwanted tracking support article. This page now includes more information on which ‘Find My’ accessories may trigger an unwanted tracking alert, along with instructions on disabling products like the AirTag.

“There are also links to resources individuals can use if they feel their safety is at risk, such as the National Network to End Domestic Violence and the National Center for Victims of Crime,” Apple said.

The company said it is investigating additional updates that it plans to add later in the year. This includes precision finding which lets users detect an unwanted AirTag easier, improvements to the unwanted tracking alert system and changes to the AirTag’s sound to make it easier to find.

“We design our products to provide a great experience, but also with safety and privacy in mind,” Apple added.

Last April, Apple introduced new privacy changes to its iPhone and other iOS devices, which allow users to prevent apps from collecting their data. These updates caused a rift between Facebook and Apple since it was rolled out.

It was reported last November that these changes cost Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter and YouTube an estimated $9.85bn in revenue.

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