La second beta iOS 15.2 arrived late yesterday. Apple continues with its release plan after launching iOS 15.1 a few weeks ago. The news found so far in this new beta follow the line of the first beta: new privacy reports for applications, modifications in the emergency call system and the much-talked about redesign of notifications in the notification center. On this occasion, the second beta of iOS 15.2 introduces What's new in the Search app with the objective of allow the user to detect if there is any device nearby compatible with the Find My network that can track our location.
A twist on privacy basics: iOS 15.2 and Search
The new beta of iOS 15.2, the second, introduces new features in the placement of elements within the Search app. When we access the app and click on 'Objects' we will access our network-compatible devices that we can locate from our iPhone. However, there are two new options: "Items that can track me" and "Help return lost items."
The first option allows us to detect if there are nearby elements compatible with the Find My network that may be used to follow us and that belong to other people. In the event that there is an element of this type nearby, the app will provide us with information on how to eliminate or disable it so that it cannot be used as tracker. On the other hand, the "identify found item" tool allows the user to return lost items by initiating a scan of the item to access the owner's information. This is a renaming of the old "Identify Found Item" function.
This move by Apple is nothing more than a protection for the user, to avoid being detected by elements compatible with the network. Remember that the Search app uses all Apple devices generating a location network to detect devices and elements such as AirTags all over the world.