Key Points:
• Apple introduces Share Item Location, a new feature in iOS 18.2 that allows users to share the location of lost items with third parties, such as airlines.
• The feature uses the Find My network to securely share the location of an AirTag or Find My network accessory, allowing users to easily and quickly recover misplaced items.
• Over 15 major airlines will begin accepting Find My item locations as part of their customer service process, making it easier for passengers to recover lost or delayed luggage.
Apple Unveils Share Item Location in iOS 18.2
Apple has rolled out a new feature called Share Item Location in its iOS 18.2 update, which allows users to share the location of lost items with third parties. This feature is a major upgrade to Apple’s Find My network, a crowdsourced network of over one billion Apple devices that use Bluetooth wireless technology to detect missing devices or items nearby.
With Share Item Location, users can generate a secure link that allows third parties, such as airlines, to view the location of an AirTag or Find My network accessory on an interactive map. This link can be sent via email or text message to the recipient, who must authenticate with their Apple account or partner email address to view the link.
This feature is particularly useful for travelers who have checked their luggage and are unable to locate it. Airlines can use the shared location information to quickly and efficiently retrieve the luggage, reducing the stress and inconvenience caused by lost or delayed luggage.
Airline Partnerships and Adoption
Over 15 major airlines will begin accepting Find My item locations as part of their customer service process in the coming months. This includes Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Eurowings, Iberia, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, Turkish Airlines, United, Virgin Atlantic, and Vueling.
These airlines will leverage Apple’s Find My network to privately and securely accept Share Item Location links, ensuring that the process is end-to-end encrypted and anonymous. This collaboration is expected to make it easier for airlines to recover lost or delayed luggage, while also providing passengers with additional peace of mind during their travels.
Benefits for Passengers and Airlines
The adoption of Share Item Location by major airlines will have several benefits for passengers and airlines alike. Passengers will be able to quickly and easily recover their lost or delayed luggage, reducing the stress and inconvenience caused by lost items. Airlines will be able to improve their customer service and reduce the time it takes to recover lost or delayed luggage, leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Conclusion
Share Item Location is a groundbreaking feature that has the potential to revolutionize the way airlines and passengers handle lost or delayed luggage. By securely sharing the location of lost items with third parties, Apple has made it easier for passengers to recover their belongings and for airlines to provide better customer service. With over 15 major airlines already on board, this feature is sure to make a significant impact in the airline industry in the coming months.
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