Earlier this week, Apple began rolling out a firmware update for AirTags. While it was not clear at the time what changes the update would bring, Apple has now published a support document.
According to Apple's support document, the new firmware update for AirTags will optimize tracking alerts.
AirTag Firmware Update 1.0.301: Tuned the unwanted tracking tone to make it easier to find an unknown AirTag.
Apple has made several changes to how AirTags work since their release to address concerns that the trackers could be used for stalking purposes. In February, Apple announced a number of changes it would be making in response to stalking concerns. Some of the adjustments were introduced in March with iOS 15.4, and others came later. One of those later changes was to increase use of the loudest tones in an unknown AirTag's tone sequence to make it easier to locate, and that's exactly what the new firmware update appears to include.
New AirTags firmware is being rolled out gradually
AirTag tone tuning: Currently, iOS users who receive an unwanted location alert can choose to play a tone to help them find the unknown AirTag. We will tune the tone sequence to use more of the loudest sounds to make it easier to find an unknown AirTag.
Although it is not mentioned in the release notes, Apple is rolling out this firmware gradually and there is no way to force the update for your AirTags. The update was delivered to 1 % of AirTag users worldwide on Tuesday. On May 3rd, it will be 10 % and on May 9, 25 %, while on May 13, the update will be available to everyone. This staggered schedule allows Apple to make sure the firmware update works as intended before distributing it to all users. The build number of the new version is: 1A301. (Photo by hadrian / Bigstockphoto)
