Apple has introduced a groundbreaking feature aimed at helping travellers locate lost baggage, addressing a common frustration for passengers worldwide.
The new “Share Item Location” feature, currently available on the iOS 18.2 public beta, allows users to share the real-time location of their AirTags or other Find My network accessories with third parties, including participating airlines.
This feature is designed to provide a seamless solution for tracking and recovering misplaced luggage, especially for airline passengers.
The feature, which will be available as a free update for iPhone Xs and newer models, works through Apple’s Find My app. Users can generate a shareable link containing the location of an item, such as luggage with an attached AirTag.
This link is sent to the recipient—such as an airline customer service agent—who can view the item’s location on an interactive map that updates in real time. Timestamps indicate the most recent location updates, and the link expires after seven days, enhancing security and control for the user.
Apple has partnered with over 15 major airlines, including Delta, United, British Airways, and Singapore Airlines, to integrate this feature into their baggage tracking systems. By the end of 2024, these airlines plan to use Find My location data to help track and locate delayed or mishandled baggage. More airlines are expected to join the initiative, making the technology widely available to travellers.
The new feature is embedded within the secure privacy framework of Apple’s Find My network, ensuring that users’ location data is encrypted and anonymized. Only authorized personnel at participating airlines can access the shared location information.
This secure method of sharing will enable airline agents to efficiently track and recover lost items, ultimately improving baggage handling systems and enhancing customer service.
Apple has also collaborated with SITA, a leader in air transport technology, which plans to incorporate the feature into its WorldTracer system. This system is currently used by over 500 airlines globally, further extending the reach of the new technology. The collaboration aims to streamline baggage management and provide passengers with greater peace of mind when traveling.
As airlines increasingly adopt this feature, Apple’s initiative promises to offer a practical, secure solution to the ongoing problem of lost luggage, making the travel experience more convenient and efficient for all.
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