Has a recent iOS or firmware update changed the way AirTag locations are reported in the FindMy app? Previously, the location of airtags in FindMy would be the actual location of the airtag. I have an office in the garden and leave a bag I use for work there. Until recently the AirTag in the bag would correctly display as being in my office. But now all AirTags seem to display their location based on my iPhone location. I have several AirTags that are connected to bags and keys etc. Now they all appear at the same location that is clearly the location of my iPhone.
This also occurs on items that are out of range of my iPhone. I have airtags attached to wildlife monitoring cameras that are set on one of my work sites. I know they are not supposed to be used as anti theft devices, but they do give piece of mind that the cameras are where they should be. Over the summer this worked well and the airtags would pop up in FindMy at the location they were set. But more recently I’ve noticed that the airtag location is being reported as in somebody’s house (located at least 100 m from the airtag location). Initially I thought one had been stolen, but in fact the camera (and attached AirTag) is in its correct location. What I think is happening is that somebody in a nearby house has an iPhone that is picking up the signal from the AirTag. Rather than relaying the actual location of the AirTag the iPhone is reporting its own location instead. Not only does this make the AirTags even less useful as anti theft devices, but it also makes them less useful when trying to find a lost item. I don’t want to be knocking on a strangers door to find lost keys, when the AirTag connected to the keys is under a hedge alongside the road.
From a privacy standpoint I also see issues. Yes many people have iPhones, but I now know that a person living in a specific home has an iPhone. Surely an iPhone should be reporting the location of the tag not itself?
This also occurs on items that are out of range of my iPhone. I have airtags attached to wildlife monitoring cameras that are set on one of my work sites. I know they are not supposed to be used as anti theft devices, but they do give piece of mind that the cameras are where they should be. Over the summer this worked well and the airtags would pop up in FindMy at the location they were set. But more recently I’ve noticed that the airtag location is being reported as in somebody’s house (located at least 100 m from the airtag location). Initially I thought one had been stolen, but in fact the camera (and attached AirTag) is in its correct location. What I think is happening is that somebody in a nearby house has an iPhone that is picking up the signal from the AirTag. Rather than relaying the actual location of the AirTag the iPhone is reporting its own location instead. Not only does this make the AirTags even less useful as anti theft devices, but it also makes them less useful when trying to find a lost item. I don’t want to be knocking on a strangers door to find lost keys, when the AirTag connected to the keys is under a hedge alongside the road.
From a privacy standpoint I also see issues. Yes many people have iPhones, but I now know that a person living in a specific home has an iPhone. Surely an iPhone should be reporting the location of the tag not itself?