Latest Firmware Update for Apple AirTag Tunes Undesirable Monitoring Sound
Earlier this week, Apple released a new firmware update designed for the AirTag item trackers with a build number of 1A301 (firmware version 1.0.301), up from 1A291.
Initially, it wasn't clear what new changes were included in the firmware update, but Apple finally revealed in a new support document that it tuned up the sound made by unknown AirTags found to be traveling with you, as per Techy Daily News report.
Apple's AirTag stalking alert reportedly sends false alarms to users’ iPhone. Is it another annoying bug? Mark Chan via Unsplash
Apple Modifies Airtags To Attain Best Performance
Since its launch, Apple has made a number of modifications to the best way AirTags operate. Primarily, this is to address issues concerning the trackers getting used for stalking functions.
In February, the tech company introduced a collection of modifications that addressed the stalking issues, with a number of the modifications made available in March with iOS 15.4 and others coming later.
To help locate it more easily, a new modification coming later was concerned with utilizing extra of the loudest tones within the tone sequence performed by an unknown AirTag. This feature seems to be part of this week's firmware update.
According to Macrumors, "currently, iOS users receiving an unwanted tracking alert can play a sound to help them find the unknown AirTag."
Apple will be adjusting the tone sequence to use more of the loudest tones to make an unknown AirTag more easily findable.
Although it is not mentioned in the release notes, Apple is rolling this firmware out on a staggered basis. According to Macrumors, there is no way to force your AirTags to update.
The update was restricted to being delivered to only 1% of AirTag users as of Tuesday when it started rolling out. This will rise to 10% on May 3 and 25% on May 9, and it will go fully live to everyone on May 13, as per a MacRumors report.
In April 2021, Apple released its long awaited AirTag. This is after years of rumors and speculations.
The small circular tag is useful in finding objects, particularly small ones.
AirTag is designed to be attached to items like keys and wallets. The device allows these accessories to be tracked using Bluetooth right alongside Apple devices in the Find My app, as per Macrumors report.
In the Find My app under the "Items" tab that Apple introduced in iOS 14.3, AirTags can be added and managed.
Each AirTag is displayed on a map in the Find My app so you can see its location like on other Apple devices. Using Bluetooth, AirTags connect to your iOS and macOS devices.
Members of the media were able to test them out prior to the launch of AirTags. The first impressions are positive.
"AirTags have been described as 'smart' and 'capable' for those in Apple's ecosystem, and tracking has been lauded for its accuracy," according to Macrumors.
Sometimes, it can take a full 30 seconds or more to get an initial location for an AirTag from another room. But due to Bluetooth, it is also possible to get inaccurate locations foiled by obstructions and walls but the U1 Precision Tracking is helpful to get around that.
