iOS 17.5 expands those “Found Moving With You” privacy alerts to third-party trackers to prevent even more unwanted tracking on iPhones.
The new privacy feature will notify iPhone owners when an unknown third-party tracker has been found moving with them. These notifications are currently restricted to AirTags, some AirPods models and devices that are part of the company’s Find My Network accessory program.
iOS 17.5 may expand the “Found Moving With You” iPhone privacy alerts to third-party trackers
MacRumors discovered new references in the iOS 17.5 code suggesting the software may expand tracking alerts to third-party item trackers.
“You can disable this item and stop it from sharing its location with the owner,” reads one of the strings. “To do this, follow the instructions provided on a website by the manufacturer of this item.” This feature may launch in the upcoming iOS 17.5 update in May or arrive this fall alongside iOS 18.
Apple and Google clamping on unwanted tracking
In 2023, Apple and Google proposed measures to prevent unwanted tracking of individuals through personal Bluetooth item trackers such as AirTag.
The companies submitted a draft proposal to ensure interoperability between unauthorized tracking detection and alerts across iPhone and Android, with launch support from Samsung, Tile, Chipolo, eufy Security and Pebblebee.
To that end, Apple released the free Tracker Detect app for Android, which prevents unwanted tracking via AirTags and compatible item trackers that participate in its Find My network. You can download Tracker Detect from Play Store.
Google will also implement a similar feature to alert Android users when an unknown third-party item tracker is detected moving with them.