Apple has announced a new feature for its Find My app that allows users to share the location of lost or missing items with third parties beyond just contacts in their iPhone. This feature, called "Share Item Location," will be available starting soon and provides an anonymous way to locate lost property. By using Apple’s secure service, users can help recover their belongings while maintaining privacy.
How It Works
The new feature is designed for users who have an iPhone or Mac with Find My enabled, such as those with an AirTag. When an item goes missing, the owner can activate "Share Item Location" in the app. This action generates a shareable link that others can access to locate the lost item. The link automatically expires after one week or when the item is found and returned.
Key Features of Share Item Location
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Shareable Links: Users with an iPhone 15 Pro or later, Macs, iPads, and Apple Watches running watchOS 9 or later can use this feature. The link will appear as a button in the Find My app, making it easy for others to share location data.
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Third-Party Access: Unlike previous sharing options that were limited to contacts on the device, "Share Item Location" allows third parties to access the link. This could include airline staff, delivery personnel, or other individuals who might help locate the lost item.
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Privacy and Security: Apple emphasizes that this feature is designed to protect users’ privacy. The shareable link does not contain personal identifiable information (PII), ensuring that only those with a legitimate need can access it.
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Statistics Tracking: After sharing, Apple will track how many people have accessed the link. This data could help improve Find My’s effectiveness in locating lost items.
Testing Phase
Apple is currently testing this feature on iOS 18.2 before making it widely available. The company first introduced the concept with a beta version of iOS 18.2, where users could provide feedback and report issues.
Key Benefits for Users
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Efficient Lost Property Recovery: By sharing location data directly with third parties, users can speed up the recovery process when an item is lost.
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Secure Sharing: Only authorized individuals with a need to know will be able to access the link, ensuring privacy.
Target Audience for Airlines
Apple has partnered with nearly 20 airlines worldwide to accept Find My shareable links as part of their customer service for lost luggage. This collaboration aims to make it easier for travelers to locate misplaced items while traveling abroad.
Participating Airlines
The following airlines are among those that have already signed up:
- American Airlines
- British Airways
- Delta Air Lines
- Emirates
- Japan Airlines
- and many others worldwide.
This partnership highlights Apple’s commitment to making technology solutions accessible and user-friendly for a global audience.
How Third-Party Access Works
When someone shares the link, they must request access through their Find My account. Apple verifies the request before granting access to ensure it aligns with legitimate needs. The recipient will receive an email notification confirming they have accessed the location data, which could help in recovering lost items.
Privacy Considerations
Apple has made a deliberate effort to protect user privacy in this feature. No personal information is transmitted through the shareable links. Only the location data needed for recovery purposes is shared, and access can only be granted when explicitly requested by someone with a legitimate need.
Future Enhancements
Apple plans to continue refining Find My based on user feedback. Additional features could include enhanced tracking capabilities or more intuitive sharing options in the future. Stay tuned as updates are released.
By expanding the sharing options for lost items, Apple is taking a proactive approach to ensuring that users can recover their belongings with greater ease and speed. This feature represents another step forward in Apple’s mission to make technology solutions both practical and privacy-focused.
This update provides comprehensive details on Apple’s new "Share Item Location" feature, highlighting its benefits, testing phase, and collaboration with airlines. Let me know if you’d like further refinements or additional information!
