Apple Rolling Out Updated Firmware for AirTags [Updated]

[MacRumors]

Apple today began rolling out a firmware update for its AirTag item trackers. The firmware features a build number of 2A73 (2.0.73), up from the 2A61 firmware that came out last October.

Apple does share release notes for AirTag firmware updates, but the document has yet to be updated for the new release so there's no word yet on what might be included in the update.

As is typical for AirTag updates, today's firmware release will be rolling out on a staggered basis. One percent of users will get the update today, and then it will expand to 10 percent of users on March 26. On April 2, the update will expand to 25 percent of users, and then it will be available to all on April 9.

It is not possible to force an AirTag update, as it's something that's done over-the-air through a connected iPhone. To make sure the update happens, you can put your AirTag in range of your ‌iPhone‌, but you have to wait for the firmware to roll out to your device. You can check your current AirTag firmware version through the Find My app, with instructions available in our how to.

Update: Due to an apparent error in date formatting by Apple in the deployment code, it appears the update has gone out to all AirTags rather than on a rolling basis as planned, as noted by @iSWUpdates.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1770901451159556487

Article Link: Apple Rolling Out Updated Firmware for AirTags [Updated]

 

[Analog Kid]

I have to say, that banner makes this event a lot more exciting!

 

[Stuipdboy1000]

Hopefully fixes battery drain issues, I feel like I’ve been getting low battery warnings a lot more frequently recently.

 

[6163621]

Who said "Do you feel lucky....?"

Judging by the current mess Apple seems to make with any software, what possibly could go wrong with AirTag firmware [serious question] other than bricking the device.

Randomly putting your tag 500km away in someone else's "realm"? What else...

 

[CookItOff]

"We’re excited to introduce our new AirTag firmware. In response to the wonderful lawsuits and government regulation we have now removed being able to track stolen items, or even track non stolen items, this of course removes the ability to view where your AirTag's location is on your phone. From now on your AirTag will sound a constant beep even though it can no longer track anything. We also made this requested feature permanent with no way of disabling. We think you're going to love it!" - Apple

Sarcasm of course but I feel like we are headed this way.

Edit for autocorrect grammar. 😬

 

[Account25476]

Releasing bugs on AirTag firmware too.

 

[Le Big Mac]

Time to walk around my house . . . airtag on bag next to me has updated. Other devices elsewhere in house not updated.

 

[Godspeed8230]

Whenever I read firmware update I hope for a really cool new feature.

 

[iLuddite]

Stalking is snappier!

 

[vegetassj4]

They are preparing them for the rumored Apple Ring:

one ring to rule them all,
one ring to find them,
one ring to bring them all
and in the App Store bind them

 

[yeah]

I guess this was more important to release than iOS 17.4.1 and 17.5 beta 1?

 

[alexandr]

Stalking is snappier!

Good to know — sending a unit to your location!

 

[rishey]

I finally got lucky.

 

[Sirious]

Its not a big deal but I wish you could force check for an update for the more advanced users.

 

[D_J]

Hopefully fixes battery drain issues, I feel like I’ve been getting low battery warnings a lot more frequently recently.

Yeah, I can't get batteries to last more than a few months in my AirTags, it's pretty frustrating.

 

[ArtOfWarfare]

Anyone else remember when Apple used to do enough to warrant having a Page Two on MacRumors where all the minor stories like this went?

Now Apple doesn't even do enough to warrant having a website dedicated to them at all.

 

[Pakaku]

Anyone else remember when Apple used to do enough to warrant having a Page Two on MacRumors where all the minor stories like this went?

Now Apple doesn't even do enough to warrant having a website dedicated to them at all.

I’d rather the Page 2 come back for non-Apple articles, like other phones or deals/ads. The main page can stay Apple-related and it would be fine in terms of quantity.

 

[VMukhtarov]

Already on 2.0.73

 

[Crowbot]

Yeah, I can't get batteries to last more than a few months in my AirTags, it's pretty frustrating.

There's an old trick of taking the battery out for a minute and then putting it back. It'll buy you a few weeks.

 

[jicon]

Yeah, I can't get batteries to last more than a few months in my AirTags, it's pretty frustrating.

Duracell perhaps? I have had a similar issue, and was reviewing comments for a pack I got at Costco... Turns out they have a coating on the outside of the battery that the Airtags specifically don't like so much. What scrubs that material off the battery, I'm not so certain yet, but some water, and scrubbing was needed for one battery to magically bring it back to life for a bit longer.

 

[iamasmith]

Had to switch to Energizer cells in the UK. The Duracell ones come with a total bitrex coating and you have to spend ages scraping that crap off for them to make contact for the things to register

 

[Robin Bonathan]

Yeah, I can't get batteries to last more than a few months in my AirTags, it's pretty frustrating.

Mine are lasting well over a year. Probably closer to 2.

 

[Kar98]

Key ring, on me, next to phone: up to latest firmware.
Car: out in the parking lot, still on previous firmware.

 

[drumcat]

Hopefully they return the direction at full distance. Tired of being "far" until I'm 5m away. It did 15 fine before.

 

[sw1tcher]

Apple does share release notes for AirTag firmware updates, but the document has yet to be updated for the new release so there's no word yet on what might be included in the update.

An update to address AirTag stalking?

Judge denies Apple's attempt to dismiss a class-action lawsuit over AirTag stalking

A judge has denied Apple’s motion to dismiss a class-action lawsuit claiming that stalkers are using its AirTag devices to track victims — and that the tech giant hasn’t done enough to prevent them.

apnews.com