Apple is rolling out a significant update to its Find My app, allowing users to share the location of lost or missing items with people who are not in their contacts. This feature, currently being tested on the iOS 18.2 public beta, will enable users to share their item’s location via a link that can be accessed by anyone.
A New Way to Share Item Location
The Find My app is getting a new "Share Item Location" option, which generates a shareable link that includes the item’s location. This link can be shared with anyone, regardless of whether they have an Apple device or not. The recipient simply needs to open the link on any device to view the item’s location.
Collaboration with Airlines
Apple is partnering with nearly 20 airlines to accept Find My item location links as part of their customer services for lost luggage. This means that airline staff will be able to access the item’s location directly through the link, making it easier for travelers to recover their misplaced belongings.
The participating airlines include:
- 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
Airline Staff Authentication
To access the item’s location, airline staff will need to authenticate their access through their Apple account or partner email address. This ensures that only authorized personnel can view the item’s location.
Security and Privacy
The Find My app prioritizes security and privacy. The shareable link automatically expires after a week or when the item is back with you, reducing the risk of unauthorized access. Additionally, users can choose to include their contact information in the shared link, making it easier for the person who finds the item to get in touch.
A Boost to Travelers
The introduction of this feature will significantly benefit travelers who often face difficulties when trying to locate their lost luggage. With Share Item Location, they can easily share their item’s location with airline staff or other relevant parties, reducing the risk of losing their belongings forever.
Quote from Eddie Cue
"The Find My network and AirTag have proven to be a powerful combination for users while traveling, providing invaluable location information when bags have been misplaced or mishandled. With Share Item Location, we’re excited to give users a new way to easily share this information directly with third parties like airlines, all while protecting their privacy," said Eddie Cue, Apple’s SVP of services.
Statistics and Insights
The updated Find My app will also provide users with statistics on how many people have accessed the shared link. This feature will give users valuable insights into how often they share their item’s location and help them refine their sharing habits accordingly.
Conclusion
Apple’s latest update to its Find My app is a significant step forward in making it easier for users to locate lost or missing items. By allowing users to share their item’s location with anyone, regardless of whether they have an Apple device or not, this feature will greatly benefit travelers and others who frequently lose track of their belongings.
In the coming months, nearly 20 airlines will start accepting Find My item location links as part of their customer services for lost luggage. This partnership will significantly enhance the travel experience for millions of passengers worldwide.
What’s Next?
As Apple continues to develop its Find My network and AirTag technology, we can expect even more innovative features in the future. With Share Item Location, users now have a powerful tool to recover their misplaced belongings with ease.
