They are one of the most exciting products that the US company has launched on the market in recent years - and also one of the most controversial. This is because the integrated tracking function is increasingly being misused by cyber criminals. Security experts are sounding the alarm.
They are barely bigger than a €2 coin, glow in bright colors and are difficult to recognize as a technical device at first glance: AirTags from Apple seem harmless.
In reality, however, the "Smarties" - as they are nicknamed - are powerful mini trackers that can be used to locate various objects. What sounds like a practical function for everyday life turns out in practice to be support for cyber criminals. They use AirTags to track expensive luxury cars or stalk strangers.
What Apple AirTags can do
When Apple AirTags were introduced in spring 2021, there was great enthusiasm. The small, stylish button made of plastic and metal came with state-of-the-art Bluetooth and ultra-wideband technology and was exceptionally inexpensive by Apple standards. So it's no wonder that millions of Apple fans put the compact mini trackers in their backpacks or cars, on their key rings or attached them to their smartphones. The only problem was that Apple changed the functionality over time.
Warning against misuse
Although the track function has been retained, new apps make it easier to locate the AirTags and can even deactivate the mini staplers. This is a fact that is now attracting the attention of data protection and security experts. "Cybercriminals can use AirTags for their criminal activities," says Eva Galperin, Director of Cybersecurity at the Electronic Frontier Foundation.
Journalists, activists and people who have experienced domestic violence are particularly at risk.
These dangers exist in concrete terms
Apple allows users to track AirTags live - in real time and accurate to the meter. It is precisely this function that cyber criminals are taking advantage of. They attach the mini trackers to particularly valuable vehicles so that they can steal them once the journey is complete. AirTags are also a useful tool for stalkers. They use the trackers to follow their target and - in the worst case - ambush them at a specific location.
Protective measures initiated
Apple has now responded to the ongoing criticism. To protect against unwanted tracking, iPhone users are shown a notice on the lock screen.
The message "AirTag Found Moving With You" signals that there is a mini tracker nearby that is moving with the iPhone user. Apple has also released an Android app called "Airguard", which makes it possible to detect unwanted AirTags.
