Apple Teams Up with Major Airlines To Add Lost Item Location Sharing for AirTags in iOS 18.2 Beta

Highlights

• Apple introduces ‘Share Item Location’ in iOS 18.2 beta.
• It allows users to share links to locate lost AirTags via the Find My app.
• Apple partners with over 15 major airlines to help locate AirTags using Find My Item location links.
• iOS 18.2 is currently in beta.
• Full release is expected in December.

Every iOS update is a gift that keeps on giving. It usually takes users months to figure out the new upgrades and discover every new feature. Things are no different with iOS 18 as every day we are hearing about new hidden features.

The latest iOS 18.2 Beta feature to gain attention is the new ‘Share Item Location’ for AirTags. Here’s what we know about the feature.

In the newly released iOS 18.2 beta, Apple has upgraded the Find My app to allow users to share a link to locate a lost AirTag or Find My network accessory. Apple recently published a press release detailing this new feature and also announcing its partnerships with over 15 airlines that will accept Find My Item location links.

Currently in Beta, once this update is rolled out for iPhones users would be able to generate a link in the Find My app for a lost AirTag or accessory. The link can be shared with others, who can then access a website showing the item’s location on an interactive map.

This map updates automatically with new locations and shows timestamps for the latest updates.

Apple has teamed up with major airlines to assist with finding “mishandled or delayed bags.”

In the press statement, Apple mentions, “In the coming months, more than 15 airlines serving millions of people globally — 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, and Vueling — will begin accepting Find My item locations as part of their customer service process for locating mishandled or delayed bags. More airlines will be added over time.”

It further explains, “Apple has worked directly with partner airlines to put systems in place to privately and securely accept Share Item Location, leveraging the hundreds of thousands of Apple devices many airlines are already using. Access to each link will be limited to a small number of people, and recipients will be required to authenticate in order to view the link through either their Apple Account or partner email address.”

Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, Eddy Cue also highlighted the importance of such a tool for users around the world in the press statement. Cue mentions, “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.”

Apple states it has worked directly with these airlines to establish “systems in place to privately and securely accept Share Item Location.”

Access to each link will be “limited to a small number of people, and recipients will be required to authenticate in order to view the link through either their Apple Account or partner email address.”

iOS 18.2 is currently available for developers and public beta testers with a full release expected in December.

 FAQs

Q1. What new Find My feature has Apple introduced in iOS 18.2 beta?

Answer. Apple has introduced the ‘Share Item Location’ feature in iOS 18.2 beta, allowing users to share a link to locate a lost AirTag or Find My network accessory.

Q2. Which airlines are partnering with Apple to accept Find My item location links?

Answer. Apple has partnered with over 15 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, and Vueling.

Q3. When is the full release of iOS 18.2 expected?

Answer. iOS 18.2 is currently available for developers and public beta testers, with a full release expected in December.

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