IPHONE owners have been urged to update their devices immediately to help prevent Bluetooth stalking.
Apple has released its latest iOS 17.5 update that includes a raft of new features, as well as a crucial tool to protect customers.
Since Apple’s Bluetooth-tracking AirTags began flying off the shelves, experts warned that the gadget was being used to follow people home.
The palm-sized disks are supposed to be dropped into a handbag or attached to a dog collar so you can keep track of your belongings.
But crooks were using them to prey and stalk innocent passerbys.
In 2022, Apple rolled out an update that allowed iPhones to detect nearby AirTags – warning customers that they may have had an unwanted location tracker slipped into their pocket.
It wasn’t long before Google issued a similar update to protect Android customers from the dark side of AirTags and other Bluetooth trackers.
Now in iOS 17.5, Apple’s most recent software update, this feature has been improved.
While customers previously only knew if an AirTag was around them, they will now be warned if it is moving with them.
iPhone users will get an ‘Item Found Moving With You’ alert on their handset if an unknown Bluetooth tracking device is moving with them “over time, regardless of the platform the device is paired with’”.
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This goes for all Bluetooth tracking devices, not just Apple-branded AirTags.
Apple said: “If a user gets such an alert on their iOS device, it means that someone else’s AirTag, Find My accessory, or other industry specification-compatible Bluetooth tracker is moving with them.”
Other features included in iOS 17.5
Updating to iOS 17.5 won’t just bring new Bluetooth tracking protections to your iPhone, but also:
- Apple New+ gains an offline mode for on-the-go reading.
- New Repair State option that lets an iPhone be sent in for service without deactivating Find My and Activation Lock.
- The Podcasts widget can now be placed on the Home Screen or Lock Screen.
- Third-party web app downloads in the EU only.
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