Apple issues safety update to stop people putting you in danger with their iPhones

A NEW Apple update has made it easier to stop stalkers from spying on you with a tracker tag.

Apple has tweaked its controversial Apple AirTags so its easier to find a hidden one that’s secretly following you.

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Apple’s AirTags were unveiled in April 2021, and are small electronic tags that can be attached to keys, backpacks, suitcases and more.

You can then use Apple’s Find My app on an iPhone to locate these items if you ever lose them.

But Apple has faced backlash after it turned out that people were using AirTag trackers and iPhones for stalking .

Now Apple says it has made the sound that an unknown tracker makes louder, as spotted by MacRumors.

The change was actually announced back in February, but has only now rolled out.

At the time, Apple said it would be “tuning AirTag’s sound”.

“Currently, iOS users receiving an unwanted tracking alert can play a sound to help them find the unknown AirTag,” Apple explained.

“We will be adjusting the tone sequence to use more of the loudest tones to make an unknown AirTag more easily findable.”

Apple AirTags are designed specifically to help you find lost items.

They tap into the Find My network of devices, which flags up if an AirTag is near one of the millions of gadgets in the ecosystem.

And when you’re near an AirTag, you can use iPhone’s technology to accurately find the tag in a small space.

If an AirTag registered to someone else is moving with you consistently, your iPhone will warn you.

It could be harmless, like you’ve borrowed a set of keys.

But this will alert you if someone has placed an AirTag on your person without your knowledge.

The system is designed for Apple gadgets, but Android users can also get a warning by installing an app.

This will help you uncover a hidden AirTag that’s following you.

Sound on

However, there’s another neat feature that could help you out.

If an AirTag has been separated from its owner for a while, it will begin making an alert sound.

The sound means that even if the AirTag is hidden deep inside a bag or coat, it would be exposed to a potential victim.

It’s not a foolproof system, and sophisticated stalkers could still find ways to monitor you.

But ultimately, it’s possible that someone stalking you might prefer to use a third-party GPS tracker that has significantly fewer checks and balances than Apple’s gadget.

The new sound update began rolling out to users on Tuesday, arriving for 1% of AirTag owners.

According to the MacRumors report, this will rise to 10% on May 3, 25% on May 9, and will then be live for everyone on May 13.

If you think you’re being stalked, you can contact your local police, or dial 911 (US) or 999 (UK) if you or someone else is in immediate danger.

You can also get advice from the National Stalking Helpline on 0808 802 0300, which operates Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4pm (except Wednesday 1pm to 4pm) in the UK. In the US you can contact Victim Connect on 1-855-484-2846 for advice.

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