Apple’s AirTags have already demonstrated their value for travelers looking to track their luggage, particularly during long international flights with layovers – and now it’s set to become even easier to locate lost bags.
Apple is preparing to introduce a new feature that enables AirTag owners to temporarily share the tag’s location with “an airline or a trusted person,” assisting airport staff in locating missing luggage.
This update is included in the latest beta release of Apple’s iPhone iOS 18.2 software, as reported by MacRumors.
The functionality features a new “Share Item Location” option in the Find My app, which generates a temporary link that can be shared with anyone, including those who are not in your trusted contacts. If the recipient is using an Apple device, the link will automatically open the Find My app, allowing them to see the location of the designated AirTagged item.
For users on non-Apple devices, the link directs them to a web page that displays a map with the last known location of the item.
Additionally, there is a “Show Contact Info” option, allowing you to share your phone number and email address for the person who finds your lost item to contact you. The link automatically expires after seven days or once the item has been returned to you.
This short-term tracking capability builds on the option introduced in September 2023, which allowed users to continuously share the location of an AirTag with up to five additional people.
Equipped with Bluetooth technology and connected to Apple’s extensive network of devices, AirTags have gained popularity as essential travel accessories, particularly for luggage tracking.
