Apple Enhances "Find My" with Encrypted Link Sharing for Real-Time Location of Items

Apple has significantly upgraded its "Find My" network, a feature widely used by many to track items like travel bags with purchased tracking tags, to locate them in case they get lost. Previously, to view the location of these tracking tags, users could only do so themselves or share access with designated individuals by adding them via their Apple account to the location sharing feature. This process proved cumbersome, especially in situations where, for example, a suitcase gets lost during a flight, necessitating assistance from the airline to locate it.

The latest improvement, introduced in iOS 18.2 Beta 2, is the addition of a link-sharing feature within the Find My app. This allows users to generate an encrypted link for a specific item's tracking tag that can be shared with anyone. The features of this link include:

1. Automatic Expiry: The link to the item's tracking tag location automatically expires and becomes inaccessible after one week.
2. Accessible by Anyone: Anyone who receives the link can view the item's real-time location.
3. Browser Tracking Support: The tracking tag location link does not require an iPhone to load; it can be opened on any device and browser.
4. Manual Termination: If the item is found, you can manually terminate the sharing link ahead of time and check how often the link was used.

Apple's approach somewhat mirrors the file-sharing feature seen in cloud storage services but is a significant aid to users. For instance, sharing a link with airline staff to help locate a lost suitcase becomes much more convenient.

This feature is currently being tested in iOS 18.2 Beta 2, with the official version expected to be released by the end of the year. Users will then be able to experience these new functionalities in the Find My network.