Apple and Google are not always competitors. Sometimes they want to make everyday life better for everyone.
A leading new standard to prevent unwanted tracking
The two companies announce a partnership to lead an industry-wide initiative to tackle unwanted tracking and abuse of Bluetooth trackers. This is to expand Apple’s existing functionality that warns if you’re traveling with an unknown AirTag
Today, Apple and Google jointly submitted a proposed industry specification to combat the misuse of Bluetooth location trackers for unwanted tracking. The first-of-its-kind specification will allow Bluetooth location trackers to be compatible with unauthorized tracking detection and alerts across iOS and Android platforms. Samsung, Tile, Chipolo, eufy Security, and Pebblebee have all expressed support for the draft standard, which provides best practices and instructions for manufacturers, should they choose to build these features into their products,” the two companies explained in a joint press release.
This is happening now
The next plan is to get the specification approved by the Internet Engineering Task Force. Companies are open to input from all parties involved. After the comment period ends, the two will release the final specifications on the eve of 2023. The changes will be implemented later in the upcoming versions of iOS and Android.
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