New Share Location Feature in Apple’s Find My App: A Game Changer for Travelers
With the rollout of iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2, Apple has introduced an innovative functionality within the Find My app that allows users to share their lost item’s location with a designated contact. This feature proves particularly beneficial when seeking assistance from third parties, such as customer service representatives in airlines.
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How It Works
The Find My app now includes options labeled “Share Item Location” and “Show Contact Info.” When selecting the Share Item Location feature, a link is generated to enable someone else to track the lost item’s whereabouts upon accessing it. Notably, this link can be opened on any web browser, making it accessible even for those without Apple devices.
Shared links have a lifespan of one week and users can monitor how many individuals have accessed them. These links become inactive either once you retrieve your item or when they expire after seven days—or if you decide to stop sharing the item’s location altogether. Importantly, this function employs end-to-end encryption and maintains user anonymity; neither Apple nor accessory makers can access or track your item’s information.
A Temporary Solution for Lost Items
While previous versions of Find My allowed users to share locations with contacts saved in their address books, iOS 18.2 adds further versatility by enabling users to temporarily disclose an item’s location to others who may assist in its recovery—this includes devices like AirTags connected through Apple’s Find My network.
The Airline Connection
Currently, major airlines such as United Airlines and Air Canada are among those embracing this new functionality for reporting missing luggage via shared locations within the Find My app framework—additional airlines are expected to follow suit shortly according to Apple’s announcements.
For instance, United Airlines has established a comprehensive process tailored specifically for reporting bags equipped with AirTags. If passengers’ luggage fails to arrive at their destination quickly enough, they can file a delayed baggage report that incorporates a Share Item Location link if an AirTag is affixed.
Your Guide Through Customer Support Interactions
This newfound ability empowers airline customer service representatives as they gain visibility over the shared location directly through an interactive map interface provided by these links—enabling quicker resolution times for finding misplaced baggage.
- Aer Lingus
- Air Canada
- Air New Zealand
- Austrian Airlines
- British Airways
- Brussels Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
< /li>Beyond these two pioneers in tech integration support regarding lost items within airlines across multiple platforms spans Lufthansa group subsidiaries as well:
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