Apple Introduces New "Share Item Location" Feature for Easier Baggage Tracking with iOS 18.2

Apple has just announced a new feature, Share Item Location, coming in iOS 18.2 that will make it easier to locate and recover lost items when traveling. With the support of over 15 major airlines worldwide, this update allows iPhone users to securely share the location of their AirTag or other Find My network accessories with third parties, including airlines, adding a helpful layer of peace of mind for travelers everywhere.

What is Share Item Location?

Share Item Location lets users share the precise location of an AirTag or Find My network accessory with a third party — in this case, airlines — to help locate misplaced or delayed items like checked luggage. This feature can be accessed through the Find My app on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, and is built with Apple’s usual emphasis on privacy and security.

Here’s how it works:

• Users can generate a Share Item Location link in the Find My app. This link can then be shared with an airline, allowing customer service to track the item’s location in real time.
• Recipients of the link can view the item’s location on an interactive map that automatically updates and shows the latest timestamp.
• The shared location will expire after seven days or as soon as the user reunites with their item. Users can also choose to stop sharing the location at any time.

Supported Airlines and Global Expansion

In the coming months, more than 15 airlines will start using Share Item Location, including Delta, United, British Airways, Qantas, Air Canada, and Singapore Airlines, with many more expected to join over time. Several airlines are preparing to roll out this feature in select locations first, with the goal of expanding globally by early 2025. Additionally, SITA, a global leader in air transport technology, will integrate support for Share Item Location into WorldTracer, a widely-used baggage-tracing system, bringing this feature to over 2,800 airports worldwide.

Why Share Item Location is a Game-Changer for Travelers

With this new feature, travelers who place an AirTag in their checked bags can share its location with airlines if their luggage is delayed or misplaced. This added visibility gives airlines real-time information, which helps them assist customers more efficiently and provides greater assurance to travelers. Plus, with the interactive map, airline staff can check for updates and take action faster.

Built-In Privacy and Security

Apple ensures that Share Item Location is private and secure:

• Each shared location is end-to-end encrypted and anonymous, meaning no one — not even Apple — can see the item’s precise location without the owner’s permission.
• Access to each location link is limited to authorized airline personnel who authenticate through an Apple Account or a verified partner email address.
• Apple’s Find My network leverages over one billion devices to detect and report a missing item’s location anonymously, so travelers don’t need to worry about privacy when using the feature.

Airline and Industry Enthusiasm

Airlines are embracing the benefits of Share Item Location, as it aligns with their goals to improve customer satisfaction. David Kinzelman, United’s chief customer officer, notes that “this feature will soon make it easier for [customers] to share location information with us safely and securely, helping our customer service agents work more efficiently.” Similarly, Delta Air Lines and British Airways have highlighted the benefits of this feature in terms of reliability, efficiency, and providing travelers with greater peace of mind.

Nicole Hogg, director of baggage at SITA, anticipates a significant impact: “This collaboration with Apple… will be a huge benefit for passengers. We look forward to seeing this feature adopted across the industry to complement existing tracking tools.”

Ready to Experience Share Item Location?

If you’re interested in trying Share Item Location, you can explore it in iOS 18.2, now available in public beta and soon to roll out as a free software update for iPhones from iPhone Xs and later. Whether you’re gearing up for holiday travels or simply planning your next adventure, this feature adds a new layer of security and ease to your journey.

With Apple’s commitment to privacy, a broad airline partnership, and support from a network of global airports, Share Item Location is set to enhance the travel experience, one AirTag at a time. Safe travels!