Apple announces partnership with Google for new industry specification to address unwanted tracking

Apple has announced today that it will be partnering with Google, the developers of the Android mobile operating system to create a new industry specification to help combat the misuse of Bluetooth location-tracking devices for unwanted tracking.

The new specification will allow Bluetooth location-tracking devices to be compatible with unauthorized tracking detection and alerts across iOS and Android platforms.

In a press release shared on Tuesday, Apple says the new protocol should be released by the end of 2023 and will be supported in future versions of iOS and Android.

Apple launched AirTag to give users the peace of mind knowing where to find their most important items,” said Ron Huang, Apple’s vice president of Sensing and Connectivity. We built AirTag and the Find My network with a set of proactive features to discourage unwanted tracking — a first in the industry — and we continue to make improvements to help ensure the technology is being used as intended. This new industry specification builds upon the AirTag protections, and through collaboration with Google results in a critical step forward to help combat unwanted tracking across iOS and Android.

Apple says that Samsung, Tile, Chipolo, eufy Security, and Pebblebee have expressed support for the draft specification, which will offer best practices and instructions for manufacturers, should they choose to build these capabilities into their products.