Apple and Android devices will be able to detect most trackers
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Apple and Google worked together to develop an interoperability standard for tracking devices, and the Google Find My Devices network is ready to go live.
After harassment and abusive behavior were linked to Apple AirTag, Apple and Google have teamed up to create a cross-platform system for detecting nearby trackers. A year later, it looks like something is ready for consumers.
Apple released a beta version of iOS 17.5 on Wednesday with code suggesting anti-harassment measures will be launched when the operating system goes public. A day later, 9to5Google found evidence that Google could launch the Find My Device network on April 8 or shortly thereafter.
An email sent to one employee stated that the Google Find My Devices network was coming soon and they would be notified in 3 days. This is technically Sunday, April 7th, so the email may have been sent in error.
However, it is clear that Apple and Google are preparing for a wider launch. The new Find My Devices feature for Android will allow Android users to track phones, tablets and computers, similar to Apple's Find My.
The key point here is that Google delayed the launch of this feature until the interoperability standard was ready. This way, Apple devices will be able to detect Android trackers and vice versa.
If everything works as intended, Android users will be notified if an unknown tracker like AirTag is nearby and stalking them. The same goes for iPhone users, who can receive notifications if a tile or other product is nearby and not connected to the user's device.
Apple's beta testing cycle for iOS 17.5 has just begun, but features seem to be few and far between. The release could happen by the end of April, which will coincide with the launch of Google Find My Devices.
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