After months of teasing and promising, Apple has finally deployed its solution against indiscreet trackers. With iOS 17.5, iPhones can now detect devices that are spying on their users and then send an alert to quickly find them.
It was time for Apple to deploy its solution to fight against spy trackers. Months after its announcement and a few timid attempts, the latest update to iOS 17.5 finally tackles the problem in depth. A few years ago, the Cupertino company unveiled a partnership with Google and its Locate network to allow users to detect AirTags and other Bluetooth trackers placed on their belongings without their knowledge.
From now on, by downloading the iOS 17.5 update, compatible iPhones will be able to alert their users when they detect a spy nearby. Smartphones will indeed send a notification indicating that a device “has been detected moving with you” when they suspect the presence of a spy tracker. It will then be possible to ring the device in question to find it easily.
On the same subject — AirTag: monitor your luggage, Apple’s tracker is sometimes used to spy on tourists
Apple and Google will finally help you flush out the snitches
Once the tracker is found, the user will be able to access information to help deactivate it, so that it no longer emits a signal to its real owner. iOS 17.5 therefore benefits from all the power of Apple’s network, but also Google’s Locate network, which works thanks to the millions of devices connected to each other by Bluetooth.
It should be noted, however, that this functionality only concerns trackers operating on these networks. For example, Motorola’s trackers are not part of the list, although the manufacturer has already announced that an update would resolve this problem. The problem is therefore not destined to disappear completely. But, given the popularity of AirTags on the market, the latter will be very seriously contained.
Additionally, iOS 17.5 also allows downloading apps directly from the developer’s website and provides access to a new wallpaper in honor of Pride Month. Find all the new features of the update in this article.