Now this is interesting. Starting with iOS 18.2 – which is currently offered in public beta – Apple’s Find My service will allow location sharing of lost items with third parties, including airlines. The feature, dubbed Share Item Location, will make it easier to locate misplaced or mishandled bags equipped with an Apple AirTag, for example.

In order to start sharing the location of an AirTag or Find My network accessory, users can generate a Share Item Location link through the Find My app on the iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Those who receive the link can view the location of the item on an interactive map, which will automatically update when a new location is available. Of course, a timestamp of the most recent update will be shown too.

Once a user is reunited with the item, the shared location will be automatically disabled. It can also be stopped any time by the owner, and the link will expire on its own after seven days.

In the coming months, more than 15 airlines will begin accepting Find My item locations for delayed or mishandled bags. These include Singapore Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Qantas, United, Air Canada, and British Airways. The full list of airlines can be found right here, and Apple says that more airlines will be added over time.

The Share Item Location feature within Apple’s Find My app will be offered from iOS 18.2 onwards, which is offered as a public beta right now. According to Apple, the software update will be available to the iPhone Xs and later soon.