Apple is reportedly working on a major update for its Find My app, which may soon allow users to share the location of lost items with people outside their contact lists. This feature, uncovered in the iOS 18.2 developer beta, lets users generate a shareable link to their missing item’s location—helpful for enlisting assistance from strangers like cab drivers or airline staff. However, the update raises concerns over potential privacy risks.
How the New Feature Works
Currently, Apple’s Find My app allows users to track their own devices or those within their Apple network, such as Air Tags, which can attach to personal items like keys or bags. However, with this update, users will gain the ability to share the location of these items with people outside their contacts. The “Share Item Location” option creates a unique link that can be sent via text, email, or any messaging app, allowing anyone with the link to view the item’s location for up to a week, or until the owner retrieves it. Non-Apple device users can also access these links, adding flexibility to the tool.
According to TechCrunch, Apple aims for this feature to help users retrieve lost belongings, especially in cases where they need third-party help, such as from airline staff for lost luggage. The new update also includes a “Share Contact Info” feature, which allows users to share their phone number and email, helping those who find the item to get in touch directly. The update even lets users see how many people have accessed the shared link, adding a level of transparency.
Context and Competitive Edge
The Find My app has been integral for Apple users since its launch, supporting the Apple ecosystem by providing users with the ability to locate lost devices or items connected via Air Tags. This update expands the app’s capabilities at a time when competition in the personal tracking space is intensifying. Other companies, like Tile and Samsung with their SmartTag, offer item-tracking solutions, which means this update may help Apple maintain its edge by enhancing the user experience for those already in the Apple ecosystem.
As tech companies race to offer comprehensive solutions for tracking personal belongings, Apple’s approach might attract new users and strengthen its existing customer loyalty. Some experts believe this feature could be a response to a growing need for flexible, user-friendly solutions that make it easier to retrieve lost items in today’s fast-paced, on-the-go world.
Privacy Concerns and Expert Opinions
While the new feature adds undeniable convenience, some privacy experts have voiced concerns. Enabling users to share location data with non-contacts brings inherent risks, especially if these links are accessed by unintended recipients. Gear Patrol highlighted that, while link expiration and access monitoring provide some control, questions remain about the potential misuse of location data.
Cybersecurity expert Sarah Conley comments, “Allowing location sharing with strangers introduces privacy risks, especially if the link ends up in the wrong hands. Clear guidelines and robust controls are essential for protecting users.” Apple has yet to detail exactly how it plans to safeguard this feature, but the company is known for its privacy-first stance, which has included features like end-to-end encryption for many of its services. Nonetheless, some analysts are pressing for more transparency on how Apple will handle data security within this feature.
Regulatory and Policy Implications
The update may also attract regulatory scrutiny, given that privacy laws in various regions place strict guidelines on sharing location data, especially across different devices and platforms. According to Engadget, Apple may need to navigate potential compliance issues to prevent misuse and ensure the feature aligns with international privacy standards.
How This Update Could Impact Users
Apple’s latest Find My update represents a significant leap toward greater flexibility and ease of use, offering practical applications for travelers and anyone who may need third-party assistance with lost items. However, it remains to be seen whether the convenience this feature brings will outweigh privacy concerns among users. For now, the Find My app’s latest upgrade adds a powerful tool to the Apple ecosystem while encouraging transparency with usage statistics and link expiration controls. This balance between user control and convenience could set Apple apart as it continues to innovate in item-tracking technology.
