In times of increasing travel activity, the number of incidents of lost or delayed baggage is also constantly increasing. Air travelers often have to wait for their suitcases to be found and forwarded by the airline - an annoyance that costs time and nerves.
For many air travelers, however, digital trackers such as Apple's AirTags have already proven to be a helpful solution for keeping an eye on the location of their luggage and, in case of doubt, showing the airline where the suitcase actually is. In a new feature that is expected to be introduced with the upcoming update to iOS 18.2 for Apple's "Find My" app, the company plans to simplify this process: users will in future be able to share the location of luggage and other valuable items directly with "trusted entities" such as airlines.
The new AirTag location sharing feature for airlines
As testers of the iOS 18.2 beta report, Apple is giving users the option for the first time in the "Find My" app to share the location of an AirTag or similar Apple device directly with "trusted locations". The company is thus opening up this app, which has previously been used for private purposes, to commercial interactions. Until now, AirTags could only be shared with other Apple account owners or as part of family sharing. In the future, however, it should be possible to share the location of a lost piece of luggage, for example, with the relevant airline in order to enable faster tracking.
This new feature could fundamentally change the way AirTags have been used to date. Since their introduction, many travelers have used the small, battery-powered trackers to keep an eye on suitcases or hand luggage and to be able to take action more quickly in the event of delays or loss. While airlines often need hours or even days to find lost luggage, some travelers have been able to locate their luggage before the airlines by tracking their AirTags in real time in the "Find My" app. This practical advantage seems to have prompted Apple to further professionalize the process with the new location sharing feature.
How location sharing works for trusted entities
The new feature will be displayed to users of the Find My app when they open it for the first time. Travelers will have the option to share the location of a specific item via a web link that will be available for a limited period of time, apparently one week. Non-Apple devices will also be able to open this link, so that the feature remains widely usable. In addition, users can manage access to the location information via Apple account data such as email addresses and phone numbers and see how often the link has been accessed - a security measure that provides an overview of the information shared.
Another interesting detail: Apple does not explicitly mention "AirTags" in its official information. This suggests that other devices with a "Find My" function - such as iPhones, Macs or AirPods - can also be used to share locations. This expands the possible uses and shows that Apple is responding to the diverse needs of travelers and users with this extension.
Additional functions to facilitate baggage return
In addition to location sharing, the new "Find My" version also introduces another function to return lost items to their owners more quickly. Apple plans to allow users to store phone numbers and email addresses that the finder of a lost item can view. Furthermore, information such as websites should also be able to be linked so that every AirTag tag found or other misplaced device can be directly assigned to the rightful owner. This option could be particularly useful for items that are lost while traveling.
These enhancements demonstrate Apple's goal of optimizing and professionalizing the user experience through cutting-edge technology. These features transform the Find My app into a comprehensive tool that not only protects property, but also facilitates tracking and returns in close cooperation with third parties such as airlines.
data protection and security concerns
However, the new function also raises questions about data protection and security. Critics could point out that sharing location information with third parties could jeopardize privacy. Apple emphasizes that access to this location information will be controlled and transparent in order to prevent misuse of data. Users can decide for themselves when and for how long they want to share the location of an object, and receive notifications about how often the shared location link has been accessed. This is intended to ensure maximum protection of user data and ensure trust in the functionality.
The impact on the travel market
The new location sharing feature could be of particular interest to frequent travelers, as it is tailored to the needs and security concerns of this user group. The ability to locate one's suitcase and, if necessary, inform the airline of its whereabouts not only offers an increased sense of security, but also a practical solution to the widespread problem of lost luggage. This positions Apple as a pioneer in the combination of technology and the travel experience. Whether other companies will follow suit remains to be seen, but the enhanced Find My app could be the beginning of a new era of travel security in which digital solutions play a central role.
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