Apple Tests Find My Update to Share Lost Item Locations With Strangers
Apple is testing a new Find My feature that allows users to share lost item locations via link with non-contacts. Nearly 20 airlines will soon accept these links to help return misplaced luggage.
Apple is testing a new feature for the Find My app that allows users to share the location of lost items with people outside their contacts. Available in the iOS 18.2 beta, the "Share Item Location" option generates a secure link that anyone can open on any device to help track down missing belongings like a lost iPhone, MacBook, or AirTag.
This update is particularly aimed at simplifying the recovery of lost luggage, as nearly 20 major airlines plan to accept these Find My links as part of their customer service workflows. Airline employees authenticate their access through an Apple account or partner email, ensuring that the location data remains protected while allowing staff to assist passengers effectively.
To further aid in recovery, the app includes a "Share Contact Info" option so finders can easily reach the owner. The shared location links automatically expire after one week or as soon as the item is recovered, and users have the ability to track how many people view the link to monitor their search efforts.