Apple’s AirTag has received a new feature with the release of iOS 18.2. The update enhances the functionality of the device and aims to reduce the stress of losing valuable items. The new feature, called “Share Item Location,” is available within the Find My app. It is designed to help users locate misplaced items more efficiently.
The Find My app has been a valuable tool for tracking lost belongings. With Share Item Location, the tool becomes even more versatile. Unlike the existing Share Item feature, which allows persistent sharing of an AirTag’s location with a family member or friend, Share Item Location is intended for temporary use when an item is lost.
This feature adds the lost item to a contact’s Find My app, enabling them to help track its location in real time. To use Share Item Location, ensure your device is running iOS 18.2. Open the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Go to the “Items” tab and select the AirTag or other lost item.
Scroll down to find “Share Item Location” and follow the on-screen prompts to activate sharing. Once activated, Share Item Location generates a shareable link containing a map with the real-time whereabouts of the item. Recipients of this link can view an interactive map that updates automatically with the item’s latest location, including a timestamp of the most recent update.
This feature is particularly useful for tracking items such as lost luggage. Currently, over 15 airlines are working to integrate this feature into their customer service channels, enhancing the support travelers receive when items go missing. However, users should be mindful of privacy.
When sharing the link, select information such as the item’s serial number and the owner’s Apple Account email or phone number will be visible to recipients.
Airlines adopt Apple’s luggage tracking
This design is intentional to facilitate contact during the search process but is important for users to be aware of.
British Airways has joined a growing list of airlines that have adopted Apple’s lost luggage tracking feature. This brings the total to 14 airlines that have integrated Apple’s Share Item Location option into their customer support procedures for lost luggage. The list of airlines now supporting this feature includes Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Swiss International Airlines, Austrian Airlines, and Lufthansa.
Additionally, more airlines like Qantas, Virgin Atlantic, and KLM are expected to add support soon. This development is part of an ongoing effort to improve the travel experience by leveraging technology to address common issues like lost luggage. By integrating Apple’s tracking technology, these airlines aim to provide a more seamless and reassuring experience for their passengers.
Turkish Airlines has announced a strategic partnership with Apple to enhance passenger experience through a new baggage tracking system. The announcement came from Turkish Airlines Board Chairman Ahmet Bolat, who highlighted the system’s potential to improve operational efficiency. The collaboration aims to eliminate lost luggage concerns for travelers and elevate customer satisfaction to new heights.
“As Turkish Airlines, we are excited to partner with Apple to implement this advanced baggage tracking system. Passengers will now be able to monitor their luggage seamlessly using Apple’s iOS 16 system and nearby tracking technology via Find My features,” Bolat said in a social media post. Through the system, passengers can conveniently locate their baggage and share its real-time status using Apple’s tools.
Turkish Airlines will provide a smoother and more transparent travel experience, allowing travelers to retrieve misplaced baggage faster and with ease. Bolat added that the technology securely shares location data and automatically deletes it within seven days unless manually removed earlier. Turkish Airlines also plans to incorporate this feature into its own mobile app.