The Cupertino-based tech giant Apple has updated its Find My network with a new feature called Share Item Location. As the name suggests, the feature will allow iPhone users to share a tracking link for their AirTag, or any other Find My device for that matter, with another person (a trusted contact).
Apple is focusing on the feature’s usage for locating lost baggage by sharing tracking links with airlines. Currently available in iOS 18.2 beta in most regions, the feature will soon be available for all users with iPhone Xs and later, as part of the stable build release in December 2024.
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Share The Location Of A Find My Accessory With Third Parties Like Airlines
We believe that the feature could also be useful in a couple of other scenarios, like sharing the link of a stolen car with the police. Similarly, users should be able to share tracking links of any stolen Apple items with ease.
Giving credit where due, Apple has partnered with more than 15 airlines for the acceptance of the Find My item tracking link as part of the customer service process for delayed or mishandled bags. Apple has also worked with the airlines to put systems that help private and secure access to the Share Item Location.
Based on the vast Find My network (with over a billion Apple devices around the world), the feature will preview the location of the shared item on an interactive map, which will automatically update when a new location is available (with a timestamp).
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Share Item Location: Key Points
- Further, the shared item location won’t be available the moment “a user is reunited with their item.”
- The owner can also stop sharing the location at any point.
- Whether the owner draws back the location or not, the tracking link will expire seven days after creation.
- If the third party isn’t able to locate the misplaced item, they can request another link from the owner.
How To Generate A Share Item Location Link For A Supported Item?
As mentioned earlier, users should be able to create a tracking link for all Find My-compatible accessories. They can do so from the Find My app on their iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
- Open the Find My app on your Apple device.
- Select the required item.
- Under “Lost [Item],” select “Share Item Location.”
- You should see the following message on your screen (check the attached screenshot below). Tap the “Continue” button to proceed.
- On the next page, the Find My app will create a trackable link for the accessory. You can share the link with the required person or authorities by tapping on “Share Link,” which will open the iOS Share Sheet.
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