Apple has released iOS 15.4 beta update which introduces anti-stalking AirTag features announced by the company earlier this month. After several AirTag users raised concerns about the device’s misuse, Apple announced changes and new features to stop unwanted stalking. The company then said that the feature would arrive in a future update.
Some of the features are now available with iOS 15.4 beta. Apple has added a new message to the AirTag setup screen which advises users that “using this item to track people without their consent is a crime in many regions around the world.” It also notes that the AirTag “is designed to be detected by victims and to enable law enforcement to request identifying information about the owner.”
As per a Macrumours report, Apple has also addressed a bug that was causing confusion around unwanted tracking. The issue was an “Unknown Accessory Alert” warning by AirPods or Find My accessories which some people were interpreting as a notice from an AirTag. Apple is making sure that all accessories properly identify themselves so there is no more confusion about non-AirTag devices.
Another change introduced by Apple is that it has removed the ability to disable Item Safety Alerts in the Find My app. Instead, it has added “Customize Find My Notifications” and “Customize Tracking Notifications” options.
All these changes with the iOS 15.4 beta update are part of a larger slate of solutions to AirTag’s misuse. Apple plans to introduce additional anti-stalking measures like support for Precision Finding for unknown AirTags, display alerts that pop up whenever a sound is played, and louder AirTag sounds later this year.
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