- Apple today announced a significant expansion to its Find My network, enabling users to share the location of lost items with third parties, including airlines. This new feature, Share Item Location, is available in beta with iOS 18.2 and will soon be rolled out to all users.
How Apple’s Find My Works
- Secure Sharing: Users can generate a secure link to share the location of an AirTag or Find My network accessory with others.
- Real-time Tracking: Recipients can view the item’s location on an interactive map, which updates automatically.
- Privacy-Focused: Shared locations are temporary and expire after seven days. Users can also disable sharing at any time.
Airline Partnerships
To make travel smoother, Apple has partnered with over 15 major airlines, 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
- Vueling
These airlines will be able to accept Find My item locations as part of their baggage recovery process, making it easier for travelers to locate lost or delayed luggage.
SITA Integration
SITA, a leading air transport technology provider, will integrate Share Item Location into its WorldTracer baggage-tracing system, used by over 500 airlines worldwide. This will further enhance the efficiency of baggage tracking and recovery.
Privacy and Security
Apple prioritises user privacy and security. Shared locations are encrypted and anonymous, ensuring that no one, including Apple, can view a device’s location or information.
With Share Item Location, Apple can provide valuable tools to its users, making it easier to keep track of belongings and navigate the complexities of modern travel.
