Apple and Google have finally implemented their industry specification to detect AirTags and other trackers that may be hidden on a person to help minimize the occurrence of stalking. This industry standard between Apple and Google, announced in May 2023, is titled "Detecting Unwanted Location Trackers".
After a year of waiting, it is finally becoming a reality on consumer devices. The new standard will alert users on iOS and Android if a Bluetooth tracking device owned by another person is being used to track them. Users will get new alerts on their smartphones if an unknown Bluetooth tracking device is found to be moving with the user over time, regardless of platform.
If another person's AirTag, Find My accessory, or other compatible Bluetooth tracker is detected but not attached to an item the user borrows or otherwise knows about, they can find more information.
An iPhone can display the track's identifier, play a sound on the tracker to locate it, and see instructions on how to disable it. Although Apple hardware such as AirTag will support the system, more manufacturers will support it in the future.
Manufacturers such as Chipolo, eufy, Jio, Motorola and Pebblebee have committed to making future tags they produce compatible with the new system. Apple is implementing the new feature as part of iOS 17.5.
Google will bring the same functionality to Android devices running Android 6.0 or later. Apple and Google intend to continue working with the Internet Engineering Task Force via the "Detecting Unwanted Location Trackers" working group to develop an official standard.