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Tag: airtag

  • How to replace your AirTag battery

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    Apple’s AirTag is designed to run quietly in the background, helping you keep track of everyday items like keys, bags and luggage. Unlike many small trackers, an AirTag doesn’t need to be charged. Instead, it uses a standard replaceable coin cell battery that typically lasts around a year, depending on usage.

    When the battery runs low, your iPhone will alert you. Replacing it is a simple process that takes just a few minutes and doesn’t require any tools. This guide explains how to tell when your AirTag battery needs replacing, which battery to use and how to swap it safely.

    How to replace the battery in your AirTag

    Replacing the battery only takes a few steps.

    1. Hold the AirTag with the polished stainless steel side facing up.

    2. Press down firmly on the metal battery cover and rotate it counterclockwise. Continue turning until the cover stops moving.

    3. Lift off the cover and remove the old battery.

    4. Insert a new CR2032 battery with the positive (+) side facing up. Once the battery is seated correctly, the AirTag will emit a brief chime, confirming that power has been restored.

    5. Place the battery cover back onto the AirTag. Align the three small tabs on the cover with the matching slots on the AirTag body.

    6. Press down gently and rotate the cover clockwise until it stops. The cover should sit flush with the AirTag and feel secure once locked into place.

    No pairing or setup steps are required after replacing the battery. Your AirTag will automatically reconnect to your Apple ID.

    When to replace your AirTag battery

    Your iPhone will automatically notify you when an AirTag battery is running low. The alert appears as a notification and doesn’t interrupt tracking, but it’s a good idea to replace the battery quickly to avoid losing location updates.

    If you’re unsure whether your AirTag battery needs replacing, open the Find My app, tap the Items tab and select your AirTag. If a message appears under the AirTag name stating “Low Battery”, you’ll know it needs replacing. If no message appears, it’s safe to assume the battery level is fine for now. AirTags don’t have a screen or any other battery indicator, but Apple does show a battery percentage for AirTags in the FindMy app. The low battery warning is the only signal Apple provides before replacement becomes necessary.

    What to do if your AirTag doesn’t make a sound

    If you don’t hear a sound after inserting the new battery, remove it and check that it’s oriented correctly with the positive side facing up. You should also secure the back cover onto the AirTag as well, to see if the chime sounds after that.

    If the battery is oriented properly and still doesn’t trigger a sound, try a different CR2032 battery. AirTag uses a CR2032 lithium 3V coin battery, a common type available at most electronics stores, supermarkets and pharmacies. Some batteries, particularly those with thick coatings, may not make consistent contact. Apple suggests looking for packaging that states “Compatible with AirTag.” Once a working battery is installed, the AirTag should resume normal operation immediately.

    How often should you replace your AirTag battery

    Most AirTag batteries last about a year under typical use. Frequent use of Precision Finding, sound playback or location updates may reduce battery life. iOS will notify you before the battery is fully depleted, so there’s no need to replace it preemptively unless you’re preparing for long-term travel or storage.

    Used coin batteries should not be thrown in household trash. Many retailers and recycling centers accept lithium batteries for proper disposal. Check local recycling guidelines for battery drop-off locations. Storing used batteries in a secure container until they can be recycled helps reduce the risk of accidental contact or ingestion.

    Replacing an AirTag battery is one of the simplest maintenance tasks Apple devices require. With a readily available battery and no tools involved, most users can complete the process in under a minute. As long as you pay attention to low battery notifications and follow basic safety precautions, your AirTag should continue tracking your belongings reliably with minimal effort.

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    Georgie Peru

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  • Waymo robotaxis set for September UK launch, ‘Magical’ Neuralink brain chip – Tech Digest

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    Waymo, the US driverless car firm,     said it hopes to be operating a robotaxi service in London as soon as September this year. The UK government has said it plans to change regulations in the second half of 2026 to enable driverless taxis to operate in the city but has not given a specific date. Waymo said a pilot service will launch in April and Local Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said: “We’re supporting Waymo and other operators through our passenger pilots, and pro-innovation regulations to make self-driving cars a reality on British roads.” BBC 

    One of the first people in the UK to use Elon Musk’s brain chip says it “feels magical” and believes it could transform the lives of those with severe paralysis. “It is a massive change in your life where you can suddenly no longer move any of your limbs,” said Sebastian Gomez-Pena, a volunteer in the first UK trial of the device developed by Mr Musk‘s company Neuralink. “This kind of technology kind of gives you a new piece of hope.” Seb had just completed his first term at medical school when an accident left him paralysed from the neck down. Sky News 

    The UK could introduce a universal basic income (UBI) to protect workers in industries that are being disrupted by AI, the investment minister Jason Stockwood has said. “Bumpy” changes to society caused by the introduction of the technology would mean there would have to be “some sort of concessionary arrangement with jobs that go immediately”, Lord Stockwood said. The Labour peer told the Financial Times: “Undoubtedly we’re going to have to think really carefully about how we soft-land those industries that go away, so some sort of [universal basic income], some sort of lifelong mechanism as well so people can retrain.” Guardian

    Britain’s online censorship is becoming as bad as Iran’s, US officials have warned. A proposed ban on virtual private networks (VPNs) in Britain has infuriated officials in Washington. The use of VPNs have exploded in the UK since age checks were introduced for pornography and other age-restricted websites under the Online Safety Act last year. The House of Lords passed an amendment on Monday to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which if approved by the Government, would effectively ban VPN access for individuals under 18. Telegraph 

    According to a new survey conducted by SellCell on 2,000 US-based adult iPhone users this month, 22% haven’t upgraded to iOS 26 yet, despite it being available since September. The main reason is not knowing about it, followed by thinking the iPhone would update automatically. Battery life getting worse is also a reason, followed by people simply not wanting the new Liquid Glass design. People are also concerned about their iPhone getting slower after the update. GSM Arena 

    Apple has made a series of notable internal changes with the second-generation AirTag, according to a teardown video by Joseph Taylor.

    Second Generation AirTag Feature
    Externally, the second-generation ‌AirTag‌ itself is effectively indistinguishable from the original. The only visual differences are slight changes to the text on the back, which lists IP67 water and dust resistance, as well as NFC and Find My support. However, the main PCB inside the second-generation ‌AirTag‌ is visibly thinner than that of the original model and the speaker coil embedded in the plastic shell appears slightly larger than in the first-generation ‌AirTag‌. MacRumors


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    Chris Price

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  • Concerns over Clawdbot AI bot, TikTok US accused of suppressing anti-Trump content – Tech Digest

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    Thousands of people have downloaded a WhatsApp personal assistant used to book restaurants, handle work emails and manage their children’s homework. The artificial intelligence (AI) assistant, known as Clawdbot, has gone viral in recent days with users claiming it will mark the next major step in AI use after the booming popularity of programmes such as ChatGPT. However, it has sparked severe security concerns with experts warning that allowing the bot access to private messages and even finances is a “disaster in the making”. Telegraph 

    California governor Gavin Newsom has accused TikTok of suppressing content critical of president Donald Trump, as he launched a review of the platform’s content moderation practices to determine if they violated state law, even as the platform blamed a systems failure for the issues. The step comes after TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, said last week it had finalised a deal to set up a majority US-owned joint venture that will secure US data, to avoid a US ban on the short video app used by more than 200 million Americans. Guardian 

    Apple’s latest iPhone update is not, as had been predicted, iOS 26.3 — though you can read here why I thought it had been delayed. Instead, Apple has just launched iOS 26.2.1 and, unlike most minor update numbers, this one includes new features. This update is for all iPhones from 2019 onwards. Apple’s Release Notes are specific: This update provides support for AirTag (2nd generation) along with bug fixes. Forbes

    TikTok’s new US owner has apologised to users for “disruption” after thousands reported issues affecting the video-sharing app. Platform outage monitor Downdetector said it has seen more than 600,000 reports of glitches from US TikTok users over the weekend. Problems flagged by people include videos appearing repeatedly on “For You” feeds, some content not displaying and new posts getting “zero views” – with issues appearing to continue for some on Monday. BBC 

    Technology giant Meta is set to trial premium subscriptions for Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp users in the coming months in its latest experiment with paid services. The new offerings would give access to features including expanded artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. Under the plan, access to the platforms’ core services would remain free to use. The firm also plans to test subscriptions for features, such as its Vibes video generation app, which the firm says “can bring your ideas to life with new AI visual creation tools”. BBC 

    Ellen Roome began campaigning for a change in the law after her 14-year-old son died. “When Jools took his own life, we assumed we’d turn up at the inquest and be told why and what happened,” Ms Roome previously told Sky News. “I know how he took his life because I found him. I don’t understand why.” Every aspect of Jools’ life had been looked into, except for his social media accounts. But when Ellen asked TikTok for his browsing data, so she could see what he’d been watching and whether it was harmful, TikTok said it no longer had it. Sky News 


    Apple’s AirTag has     become the de facto “Bluetooth tracker”     since its 2021 debut, upending established players like Tile. Now, Apple is finally upgrading the hardware. The second-generation AirTag still costs $29 for one and $99 for a four-pack, and it’s available today. It’s powered by the second-generation Ultra Wideband chip (U2), which Apple has employed in recent iPhone and Apple Watch models. It improves the ability to find the tag’s exact location when using Apple’s Precision Finding mode, with up to 1.5 times greater range. Wired


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    Chris Price

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  • Apple introduces new AirTag with more powerful chip – Tech Digest

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    Apple has officially overhauled its bestselling item tracker, packing the second-generation AirTag with a more powerful chip and a significantly louder voice.

    Unveiled today, the updated accessory maintains the familiar circular “coin” design of the 2021 original, but introduces major internal upgrades aimed at solving the frustration of looking for luggage lost in vast airport terminals.

    The headline feature is the inclusion of Apple’s second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, the same hardware found in the new iPhone 17 and Apple Watch Series 11. This tech boost enables “Precision Finding” to work from up to 50 percent further away than before, using haptic and visual cues to lead you directly to your item.

    An upgraded Bluetooth chip also expands the general tracking range, ensuring the “Find My” network can spot your belongings across even greater distances.

    Locating items by sound has also received a massive boost. The new AirTag features a redesigned internal speaker that is 50 percent louder than its predecessor.

    Apple claims this allows the device to be heard from up to twice as far away, making the “ping” much easier to track through walls or heavy bags. For the first time, users can also trigger Precision Finding directly from their wrist using an Apple Watch Series 9 or Ultra 2, a feature previously only available o the iPhone.

    Apple claims privacy and security remain a core focus, with the device utilizing end-to-end encryption to ensure location data is never stored on the AirTag itself. The tracker also includes protections against unwanted tracking, such as rotating Bluetooth identifiers and proactive alerts if an unknown tag is moving with you.

    Furthermore, Apple has expanded its “Share Item Location” feature, partnering with over 50 airlines to let users securely share their AirTag’s location with customer service teams to recover delayed luggage.

    The price of the AirTag remains unchanged: a single AirTag retails for $29, while a four-pack is available for $99. The new AirTag is available to order online today and will hit Apple Store shelves later this week.


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    Chris Price

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  • Apple tipped to enter AI wearable race with AirTag-sized Pin – Tech Digest

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    Apple is reportedly developing a wearable “AI pin” that can record and understand conversations, marking its most ambitious attempt to regain ground in the artificial intelligence arms race.

    The project, first revealed by The Information and reported by The Telegraph, signals a new hardware direction for the iPhone maker as it seeks to challenge rivals like OpenAI and Meta.

    The device is described as a thin, circular disc, similar in size to an AirTag but slightly thicker. It will reportedly feature an aluminium-and-glass shell and pack a significant array of sensors, including three microphones, a speaker, and two cameras – one standard and one wide-angle.

    Unlike traditional wearables, the pin is designed to be clipped to clothing, potentially acting as an “always-on” digital assistant that captures audio and visual input in real-time.

    At the heart of the device is an overhauled version of Siri. Apple is reportedly planning to transform its voice assistant into a ChatGPT-style chatbot, capable of complex conversations, rather than simple commands. This upgraded AI, internally known as “Campos,” is expected to debut with iOS 27 and would likely serve as the primary interface for the screenless pin.

    The device also supports magnetic inductive charging, similar to the Apple Watch, and features a single physical button along the edge for manual controls.

    Apple enters a market already littered with failed experiments. Humane, a startup founded by former Apple employees, recently discontinued its $700 AI pin after poor sales and critical reviews.

    Apple’s privacy credentials will also be under scrutiny; a device capable of “listening” to ambient conversations raises significant surveillance concerns, a topic Chief Executive Tim Cook has previously called a top priority.

    While rivals like OpenAI, led by former Apple design chief Sir Jony Ive, are expected to launch their own AI wearables as early as this year, Apple’s version is currently in early development. Providing the project isn’t cancelled beforehand, it is targeted for a 2027 release, with Apple reportedly eyeing a massive initial production run of 20 million units.


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    Chris Price

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  • The best Apple AirTag accessories for 2025

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    Apple’s AirTag is a small, clever tracker that makes it easy to keep tabs on your everyday items — from your keys and wallet to luggage and backpacks. But to get the most out of it, you’ll need the right accessories to match. That’s where AirTag accessories come in, helping you attach, protect and style your tracker in a way that suits your daily routine.

    Whether you’re looking for a low-profile AirTag wallet insert, a rugged AirTag mount for your bike or pet’s collar or an Apple AirTag holder with multiple color options that adds a personal touch, there’s no shortage of great options. Some accessories come in hard plastic or hard shell designs for extra durability, while others double as a sleek protective case or minimalist tag holder. From stylish designs to smart attachments, these are the best AirTag accessories to level up your tracking functionality and keep your items secure.

    Best AirTag holders for 2025

    Caseology

    Caseology’s Vault has a more utilitarian design, made with tough, textured TPU. The oval-shaped holder has an opening on one side into which you pop your AirTag. The other side has a smaller opening that attaches to the included carabiner, which is one of the best clips I came across in my testing. It’s pretty basic as far as carabiners go, but it’s better than a standard key ring — especially if you want to easily attach your AirTag to something other than your keys like straps on a backpack, or even a pet collar. Overall, the Caseology Vault is one of the most attractive holders I tested and it will be a solid choice for anyone who doesn’t need stainless steel or leather.

    $11 at Amazon

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    Spigen

    Spigen’s Valentinus AirTag cover is one of the best alternatives I’ve found to Apple’s own leather key rings. It has a very similar design to the first-party accessory (albeit made with pleather) , but it comes in much cheaper at only $8. Your tracking device nestles into the perfectly-shaped leather AirTag loop and snaps shut, and since the leather extends slightly over both sides of the tracker, there’s very little chance it will pop out unexpectedly. I also appreciate that it comes with a carabiner-style key ring, which makes it easier to secure to your belongings.

    $21 at Amazon

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    Elevation Lab

    AirTags definitely were not designed with slim wallet pockets in mind, but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep one in there for extra security. A thin holder like Elevation Lab’s TagVault can help the tracking disk fit more seamlessly into your wallet and reduce bulk. The AirTag fits into a space in the middle of the holder, and the sides are flexible so it can more easily bend to fit into your already overstuffed billfold. It’s also shorter than a credit card, which means it will tuck away, nearly invisibly, into a wallet pocket.

    $9 at Amazon

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    Belkin

    AirTags can also help you keep track of larger bags and luggage, and you could easily slip one into an interior pocket and call it a day. But if you’d rather hook the tracker to the outside, you’ll need something a bit larger and more flexible than a standard key ring. Belkin’s Secure Holder with Strap is a good option: it comes in different colors and it’s budget friendly at only $13. The case opens up into two pieces, allowing you to sit the AirTag inside the circle and twist and snap the two halves together to lock it in. You can then attach the AirTag to your luggage handle, dog collar, water bottle or other item with the strap, which feels quite strong.

    I appreciate the unique design of Belkin’s Secure Holder, although it was hard to twist open when the AirTag was inside of it. But that’s a good thing for daily use; your AirTag isn’t going anywhere when in the Secure Holder. I also liked its slightly raised edges, which provide extra protection against impacts and bumps.

    $12 at Amazon

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    Belkin

    Another exterior-attachment option for luggage with a bit more durability is Belkin’s Secure Holder with Wire Cable. Whereas other holders use a simple keyring to attach the tracker to your stuff, this case uses a braided wire cable that’s extra tough. The case itself unlocks via a small Allen key to let you insert the AirTag, and then you can lock it back up again before putting the tag to use. Not only is it highly unlikely for your AirTag to get knocked out of this thing, it’s also just as unlikely for the wire strap to get caught on something and break. Overall, it’s a thoughtfully designed holder than would make a great luggage tag.

    $18 at Amazon

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    Elevation Lab

    It’s easy to throw an AirTag into your coat pocket or in the bottom of your backpack, but it’s also easy for the tracking device to fall out of those things. Enter Elevation Lab’s TagVault Fabric mount, which adheres to a number of different types of fabric to discreetly track your stuff. The exterior ring of the Vault is super flexible, so once you stick it to the lining of your jacket or bag, it’ll move and adjust as you do the same with your stuff. The adhesive is quite strong, but it’s still easy to insert or remove the AirTag as much as you need. The plastic enclosure’s cap comes off with a bit of force, so you can take out your AirTag whenever you need to replace its battery. If you want something similar with an even more durable, water-resistant design, Elevation Lab makes these surface adhesive mounts that fit the bill, too.

    $14 at Amazon

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    Pelican

    Keyrings and straps aren’t the best way to attach an AirTag to anything and everything. Things like bikes, coolers, luggage and other items would be better served by an adhesive mount. Pelican makes one of the most protective ones available at the moment – the Protector Sticker Mount case has a two-piece design that you pop open to insert your AirTag inside. It basically acts as a little box in which your AirTag lives while it’s tracking your stuff. You can stick it to your items using the strong adhesive panel on the back of the case, and Pelican even includes an extra adhesive pad in the package as well, just in case you need another one. While the case itself is a bit tough to get open at first, that just shows how hard it would be for your AirTag to accidentally pop out of it.

    $10 at Amazon

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    elago

    Whether you’re attaching an AirTag to your house keys or clipping one to your kid’s backpack, you don’t need to settle for a boring holder. There are a number of fun AirTag cases available now and some of our favorites come from Elago. The accessory company makes a bunch of minimalist AirTag holders – which are good options if you’re looking for something simple and cheap – but it also has silicone cases in the shapes of avocados, ice cream bars, floppy disks and even retro game controllers. The best part is that, unlike other brands that can quickly raise prices when you want a fancily-shaped case or a holder with your favorite character on it, Elago’s playful cases will run you no more than $15 apiece.

    $16 at Amazon

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    Incase

    Incase’s Woolenex AirTag holder is one that is just as attractive as it is durable. The company’s Woolenex fabric is made of a woven blend of polyester fibers that make the accessory lightweight, water repellant and fade- and tear-resistant. Incase makes a bunch of gadgets and accessories out of this material, and those who like premium fabrics that can also handle a bit of wear-and-tear will gravitate to it. The holder has a TPU snap closure and circular cutout so it won’t interrupt the AirTag’s signal — plus, it lets you see any cute engraving you may have on your tracking device.

    $20 at Incase

    AirTag holder FAQs

    Why do AirTags need a holder?

    AirTags need a holder because they do not have built-in keyring holes like Tile, Chipolo and other Bluetooth trackers do.

    How do you attach an AirTag to things?

    You’ll need a holder or case to attach an AirTag to your stuff. If you’re comfortable slipping an AirTag into an interior pocket of a bag or coat, you can do so without an extra accessory. But if you want to use one to keep track of your keys, wallet, backpack or even your pet on their collar, you’ll need an accessory that can accommodate that use case.

    Do AirTag holders affect tracking performance?

    No, AirTag holders should not affect tracking performance.

    Do AirTag holders protect against scratches and impacts?

    Yes, AirTag holders can protect against scratches and impacts. Many AirTag cases encircle the edge of the tracker only, leave the two disk sides exposed. For the most protection, look for an AirTag holder than goes around the entire Bluetooth tracker like a sleeve.

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    Valentina Palladino

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  • Chipolo, an AirTag rival, debuts rechargeable trackers with a six-month battery life | TechCrunch

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    Chipolo, the maker of item tracking devices that compete with AirTags, launched its latest additions to its lineup of rechargeable products on Wednesday, including an updated version of its colorful LOOP tracker and the slim Chipolo CARD.

    The latter is designed to slip into your wallet and features a textured matte surface in an understated charcoal color, making it easy to blend in with other credit cards. Meanwhile, the LOOP can be attached to everyday items — like your keys, purse, or backpack — and comes in six different colors: navy, mint, honey, coral, charcoal, and chalk.

    Image Credits:Chipolo

    Unlike AirTags, which rely on a replaceable CR2032 lithium 3V coin battery, Chipolo’s new devices have rechargeable batteries. The company claims the battery will last around six months before needing another charge. To charge the LOOP, you can use any USB-C cord, while the CARD can be charged using a Qi wireless charger.

    While some consumers may prefer to simply replace a battery when it dies, others prefer to buy devices with rechargeable batteries to reduce e-waste. That’s why it’s important for there to be market competition in the tracker space, instead of allowing Apple to dominate with whatever design it feels is best. In addition, eco-minded shoppers should be aware that Chipolo says its products are made with at least 50% post-consumer recycled plastic.

    Image Credits:Chipolo

    Both new devices also feature an extended Bluetooth range of 400 feet (120 m), which makes it easier to find misplaced items nearby. When an item is missing, you can search for it using your phone via the Chipolo companion app, as Chipolo works with both Find My on Apple devices and the Find Hub on Android devices. The ring is loud, reaching up to 110 dB for the CARD, while the LOOP reaches up to 125 dB. If your phone goes missing, you can locate it by double-pressing on the tracker itself.

    The Chipolo app also lets you configure other features, like out-of-range alerts for Android, the ability to change the ringtone or adjust its volume and now, a new ring-and-blink option, which will cause the device to blink its light when lost in the dark.

    Find Chipolo devices in Apple's Find My app
    Image Credits:Chipolo

    Both devices are also waterproof and dust-tight with an IP67 rating. That means they can withstand immersion in up to 1 meter of fresh water for up to 30 minutes and are impermeable to small particles.

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    The new trackers are available for pre-order today on Chipolo’s website and Amazon and will later also be sold in stores, including T-Mobile retail locations, by the end of September. The CARD and LOOP each sell for $39 (45€/£39).

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    Sarah Perez

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  • Skechers is making kids’ shoes with a hidden AirTag compartment | TechCrunch

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    Skechers introduced a line of kids’ sneakers that contain a hidden compartment where parents can slip in an Apple AirTag.

    Inside the heel of the shoe, a small insert can be lifted to reveal the compartment. Then, parents can track the location of their child — or, at least their child’s shoes. These shoes don’t come with an AirTag, and they don’t appear to be an actual collaboration with Apple, but rather, a third-party product that Skechers has developed on its own.

    The shoes were announced in mid-July to little press, but AppleInsider reported on the product on Wednesday.

    Apple only advertises its AirTags as products to keep track of items like keys, wallets, or luggage — not human beings. But parents have been using the technology to keep an eye on their kids. Already, there are products like AirTag-compatible bracelets, insoles, pins, or even knock-off Crocs Jibbitz that can fit an AirTag.

    Perhaps intentionally, AirTags are not designed to be very good at tracking fast-moving things, like a kid on a school bus, for example. Unlike an iPhone with location sharing enabled, AirTags don’t have built-in GPS. Instead, they use Bluetooth beaconing technology to quietly signal their presence to nearby Apple devices, giving the owner of the AirTag an estimate of its location.

    This technology can still be used for nefarious purposes, however. Bad actors have hidden AirTags in people’s bags or cars to stalk them, which sparked a class action lawsuit. Apple has instituted some anti-stalking features, such as notifying someone via their iPhone or Apple Watch when an unfamiliar AirTag is traveling with them.

    Since Skechers only makes this product in kids’ sizes, it’s unlikely that these shoes could be used to surveil adults against their will — but the continued normalization of this kind of surveillance could have implications beyond childcare. It’s possible that Skechers or another shoe brand could make similar products designed for adults with conditions like dementia, who may unintentionally wander away from their caretakers. While those uses may be well-intentioned, these kinds of products could also be used to track adults without their consent.

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    Amanda Silberling

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  • Apple can’t get out of facing a class-action lawsuit over AirTags stalking claims

    Apple can’t get out of facing a class-action lawsuit over AirTags stalking claims

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    A San Francisco judge has ruled that Apple must face a lawsuit accusing the company of negligence over the potential stalking risks created by its AirTags,  reports. While the bulk of the roughly three dozen claims in the class-action suit were dismissed, US District Judge Vince Chhabria denied Apple’s bid to have the suit thrown out based on three plaintiffs’ claims alleging that “when they were stalked, the problems with the AirTag’s safety features were substantial, and that those safety defects caused their injuries.”

    While the suit argues that Apple was warned of the potential for its Bluetooth item trackers to be misused and thus should be held liable under California law, Apple disagrees, according to Bloomberg. After it released AirTags, Apple later rolled out safety features designed to thwart stalking attempts, like an update that made it so AirTags would emit a loud sound when they get a certain distance from their owner and notifications about unknown trackers. Apple and Google also last year announced that they’re working together on developing industry standards to proactively fight the misuse of tracking devices.

    Nevertheless, the lawsuit argues that AirTags have “become the weapon of choice of stalkers and abusers,” Bloomberg reports. The case was filed in the Northern California district court.

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    Cheyenne MacDonald

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  • LAPD officer sues former assistant chief accused of monitoring her with AirTag

    LAPD officer sues former assistant chief accused of monitoring her with AirTag

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    A female LAPD officer who accused former assistant chief Alfred “Al” Labrada of unlawfully tracking her has filed a legal claim alleging department leadership failed to shield her from backlash, both inside the department and on social media.

    The officer, Dawn Silva, said in a government claim filed Tuesday that her decision to report Labrada unleashed a torrent of abuse from his defenders, who she claims have continued to contact her privately since an Oct. 7 press conference in which Labrada publicly dismissed the allegations.

    Silva, a senior officer with the department’s training division, said in the claim that she went on medical leave on Sept. 18 “[d]ue to the significant pressure and anxiety that [she] was facing from the persistent rumors.”

    Silva’s claim says she has been “harassed and discriminated against based on her sex and gender and has been retaliated against” for reporting the alleged misconduct.

    Some of the harassment has come from fellow LAPD officers, the claim says, noting that some comments were receieved from LAPD-adjacent accounts on Instagram. One such account, called @defendthelapd, posted a story characterizing Labrada as a “sacrificial lamb,” while accusing the officer who filed the police report against him of “lying and pulling a #metoo…because she’s scorned.”

    After news of the allegations broke, Labrada was demoted to the rank of commander and has been sent to a disciplinary panel, where he faces possible termination. He has been on leave since early October.

    Silva said Labrada has “continuously and on an ongoing basis” emailed and texted her, “despite assurances” from the department that the he had been given two “stay away” orders. Such orders are an administrative tool regularly used to separate department employees who are involved in interpersonal or romantic disputes; repeated violations can result in an officer’s termination.

    In a statement Tuesday, Labrada’s attorney, Jeremy Tissot, said he had not yet reviewed the claim, but he stood by his comments at a news conference in October where he defended his client. Tissot pointed out that prosecutors in San Bernardino County declined to file any charges against Labrada.

    “Mr. Labrada has never engaged in any stalking, harassment, abuse or other illegal actions, in my opinion,” Tissot wrote in a statement.

    At the news conference in October, Labrada said the case had caused him “significant emotional and physical distress.” He accused department leadership — singling out Chief Michel Moore on several occasions — for making details about the case public that he said should have been protected by state privacy laws. Labrada argued that he was being treated differently from other department officials facing allegations of misconduct, echoing a double standard argument made in several other recent lawsuits against the LAPD.

    Tissot also scolded news outlets for their repeated characterization of the allegations against Labrada as “stalking,” a label that he said carries a dark connotation. Tissot said the allegations against Labrada do not meet the state’s legal definition of stalking. The attorney added that he was limited in what he could say because of the department’s pending disciplinary case against his client.

    An LAPD spokeswoman declined to comment on Tuesday, saying the department generally doesn’t discuss ongoing litigation.

    Silva’s attorney, Matthew McNicholas, accused the department Tuesday of mishandling the case against his client.

    “It’s entirely inappropriate for an assistant chief in LAPD to place what is in effect an electronic dog collar on a simple police officer that he was in a romantic relationship with,” said McNicholas, adding that Silva began receiving text messages from colleagues shortly after she reported Labrada to internal affairs. “How does that happen? She didn’t tell anybody else in the department. Her mother didn’t tell anyone else in the department. So it is her belief, it is our belief that it was leaked.”

    Silva said she discovered a tracking device called an AirTag on Sept. 3 during a getaway with friends at a hotel in Palm Springs, when he emailed her a copy of their domestic partnership separation agreement, according to the police report. The timing of the message made her suspect that Labrada knew her whereabouts, and she then asked a friend to help her inspect her car, according to the report.

    The search turned up an AirTag in a black Pelican case that was attached to the undercarriage, behind the rear passenger wheel, her claim said. A friend of hers “scanned” the device, which revealed that it was registered to Labrada’s city-owned cellphone, according to her claim.

    Several investigators from internal affairs showed up at her home to interview her the day after she filed a report with Ontario police, she said. But, when they rechecked the AirTag, Labrada’s information had been wiped, leading Silva to believe that someone had tipped him off.

    She said her relationship with Labrada dates back to October 2017, when he was a captain in Hollenbeck Division. in May 2021, they filed paperwork to become domestic partners. Silva maintains that she ended their relationship last July “due to its continually toxic nature.”

    Silva was granted a temporary restraining order against Labrada on Nov. 16; in her application for the order, she described the emotional anguish that the ongoing abuse had caused her and said she feared for her safety, She also detailed Labrada’s ongoing efforts to contact her, including through friends and family members, according to the document.

    Times staff writer Richard Winton contributed to this report.

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    Libor Jany

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