In the latest beta version of the iOS 18.2 operating system, Apple updated the Find My app, adding the ability to share links to the location of a lost AirTag tracker or device connected to the Find My Network.
Image source: Apple
In a press release, Apple announced the new Share Item Location feature and also announced partnerships with more than 15 different airlines to support the feature.
The new Share Item Location feature allows you to create a link within the Find My app for a lost AirTag or device connected to the Latitude Network. This link can be shared with another person to help them find their lost item.
Using this link, users can view a special web page that will show the location of the lost item on an interactive map. The page will automatically update if the item’s location changes. The information will be accompanied by timestamps.
Apple said it has reached agreements with more than 15 airlines around the world to support a new Share Item Location feature to make it easier to find lost luggage. The system will allow airlines to “privately and securely accept item location information.” In the coming months, airlines Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Eurowings, Iberia, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, will join the Locator search program. Swiss International Air Lines, Turkish Airlines, United, Virgin Atlantic and Vueling. In the future, the list of airlines will expand.
Access to each link will reportedly be “restricted to a small number of people, and recipients will need to be authenticated to view the link through either their Apple account or a partner’s email address.”
The beta version of iOS 18.2 is currently available to developers and beta testers. The official release of the new version of the OS is expected in December.