If you have an iPhone that can run iOS 18, you can now download and install the iOS 18.2 public beta. One of the most useful new features is the ability to share the location of a lost item connected to Apple's Find My network with a third party. You can already share the location of an item with people in your contact list, but Apple says this could help in cases where you have to rely on a stranger for help.
When you choose “Share item location” in the Find My app on iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you'll have the option to share a link showing the location of the missing item. The recipient of the link will be able to open it on any device and will also be able to see your Apple account email and/or phone number so they can contact you. You will be able to see how many people visited the link, which expires after you are reunited with your lost belonging or after a week if you haven't found it by then.
Along with benevolent strangers, you'll be able to share the locations of lost AirTags and Find My accessories with select airlines. Apple has worked with several of them to integrate this feature into their systems. Only a small number of airline staff can access each location link to share items, and Apple says they will first need to authenticate with an Apple account or partner email address.
More than 15 airlines will begin supporting this feature in the coming months, including Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Eurowings, Iberia, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa, Qantas . , Singapore Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, Turkish Airlines, United, Virgin Atlantic and Vueling. apple says that more airlines will become involved over time to help locate mishandled or delayed bags.
Air transport technology company SITA is also incorporating Share Item Location into WorldTracer, its baggage tracking system. According to Apple, it is used by more than 500 airlines and ground handlers at more than 2,800 airports.
Of course, installing beta software has its downsides. There is a higher chance of encountering bugs and some apps or features may still not work as Apple intended. If you don't mind and want to try iOS 18.2, you'll need to enable Beta Updates under Software Updates in your device's Settings menu. Apple is expected to release iOS 18.2 in December.
In the meantime, luckily, there is a at the time of writing this article. You can purchase a four-pack for an all-time low of $70.
Update, November 5, 2024, 9:10 am ET: This story has been updated to clarify that these new features are in the iOS 18.2 developer beta. The public beta version of that software is not yet available.
Update, November 11, 2024, 3:12 pm ET: This story has been updated to include details of the airline integration and to note that a public beta of iOS 18.2 is now available.
