In the latest iOS 18.2 beta, Apple updated the Find My app to add support for sharing a link to the location of a lost AirTag or Find My network accessory.
Apple has now published a press release detailing the new feature, including partnerships that will see more than 15 airlines accept Find My item location links.
The new feature lets you create a link in the Find My app to a lost AirTag or other Find My-enabled accessory. You can then share that link with others to help you locate your lost item. Using the link, people can view a website that shows the item’s location on an interactive map. The website automatically updates when a new location is available and shows timestamps for the latest updates.
Apple says it has teamed up with more than 15 airlines that will accept Find My location links to help find “mishandled or delayed bags.” The system will allow airlines to “privately and securely accept Share Item Location information”:
In the coming months, more than 15 airlines serving millions of people around the world, including 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, Swiss International Air Lines, Turkish Airlines, United, Virgin Atlantic and Vueling, will begin accepting Find My item location data as part of the customer service process to locate mishandled or delayed bags. More airlines will be added over time.
Apple has worked directly with airline partners to implement systems to accept Share Item Location privately and securely, using the hundreds of thousands of Apple devices that many airlines already use. Access to each link will be limited to a small number of people, and recipients will need to authenticate to view the link either through their Apple account or a partner email address.
Apple says it worked directly with these airlines to implement “systems to accept Share Item Location privately and securely.” Access to each link will be “limited to a small number of people, and recipients will need to authenticate to view the link either through their Apple account or a partner email address.”
iOS 18.2 is currently available to developers and public beta testers. The update will be released to the general public in December.
AirTags are currently on sale for their lowest price in months on Amazon.
