Apple Rolling Out Updated Firmware for AirTags [Updated]

Apple today began rolling out a firmware update for its AirTag item trackers. The firmware features a build number of 2A73 (2.0.73), up from the 2A61 firmware that came out last October.

AitTag New Firmware
Apple does share release notes for ‌AirTag‌ firmware updates, but the document has yet to be updated for the new release so there's no word yet on what might be included in the update.

As is typical for ‌AirTag‌ updates, today's firmware release will be rolling out on a staggered basis. One percent of users will get the update today, and then it will expand to 10 percent of users on March 26. On April 2, the update will expand to 25 percent of users, and then it will be available to all on April 9.

It is not possible to force an ‌AirTag‌ update, as it's something that's done over-the-air through a connected iPhone. To make sure the update happens, you can put your ‌AirTag‌ in range of your ‌‌iPhone‌‌, but you have to wait for the firmware to roll out to your device. You can check your current ‌AirTag‌ firmware version through the Find My app, with instructions available in our how to.

Update: Due to an apparent error in date formatting by Apple in the deployment code, it appears the update has gone out to all AirTags rather than on a rolling basis as planned, as noted by @iSWUpdates.

Top Rated Comments

Analog Kid Avatar
2 weeks ago
I have to say, that banner makes this event a lot more exciting!
Score: 33 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CookItOff Avatar
2 weeks ago
"We’re excited to introduce our new AirTag firmware. In response to the wonderful lawsuits and government regulation we have now removed being able to track stolen items, or even track non stolen items, this of course removes the ability to view where your AirTag's location is on your phone. From now on your AirTag will sound a constant beep even though it can no longer track anything. We also made this requested feature permanent with no way of disabling. We think you're going to love it!" - Apple

Sarcasm of course but I feel like we are headed this way. :p

Edit for autocorrect grammar. ?
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iLuddite Avatar
2 weeks ago
Stalking is snappier!
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
vegetassj4 Avatar
2 weeks ago
They are preparing them for the rumored Apple Ring ('https://www.macrumors.com/guide/apple-ring/'):

one ring to rule them all,
one ring to find them,
one ring to bring them all
and in the App Store bind them



Attachment Image
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
6163621 Avatar
2 weeks ago
Who said "Do you feel lucky....?"

Judging by the current mess Apple seems to make with any software, what possibly could go wrong with AirTag firmware [serious question] other than bricking the device.

Randomly putting your tag 500km away in someone else's "realm"? What else...
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Account25476 Avatar
2 weeks ago
Releasing bugs on AirTag firmware too.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

maxresdefault

Apple to Launch New iPad Pro and iPad Air Models in May

Thursday March 28, 2024 11:07 am PDT by
Apple will introduce new iPad Pro and iPad Air models in early May, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Gurman previously suggested the new iPads would come out in March, and then April, but the timeline has been pushed back once again. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Apple is working on updates to both the iPad Pro and iPad Air models. The iPad Pro models will...
General Apps Messages

Google Reveals When to Expect RCS Support on iPhone for Improved Texting With Android Users

Friday March 29, 2024 7:14 am PDT by
In November, Apple announced that the iPhone would support the cross-platform messaging standard RCS (Rich Communication Services) in the Messages app starting "later" in 2024, and Google has now revealed a more narrow timeframe. In a since-deleted section of the revamped Google Messages web page, spotted by 9to5Google, Google said that Apple would be adopting RCS on the iPhone in the "fall...
airtag new orange

Criminals in Montreal Using AirTags to Steal Vehicles

Friday March 29, 2024 12:50 pm PDT by
Thieves in Montreal, Canada have been using Apple's AirTags to facilitate vehicle theft, according to a report from Vermont news sites WCAX and NBC5 (via 9to5Mac). Police officers in Burlington, Vermont have issued a warning about AirTags for drivers who recently visited Canada. Two Burlington residents found Apple AirTags in their vehicles after returning from trips to Montreal, and these...
top stories 30mar2024

Top Stories: WWDC 2024 Announced, New iPads Delayed, and More

Saturday March 30, 2024 6:00 am PDT by
Apple's WWDC 2024 dates have been announced, giving us timing for the unveiling of the company's next round of major operating system updates and likely some other announcements. This week also saw some disappointing news on the iPad front, with update timing for the iPad Pro and iPad Air pushed back from previous rumors. We did hear some new tidbits about what might be coming in iOS 18 and...
iphone 16 cases sonny dickson 1

First iPhone 16 Cases Outline New Rear Vertical Camera Bump

Friday March 29, 2024 4:09 am PDT by
Photos of the first iPhone 16 cases have been shared online, offering another preview of the rumored new vertical rear camera arrangement on the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. Image credit: Accessory leaker Sonny Dickson Over the last few months, Apple has been experimenting with different camera bump designs for the standard iPhone 16 models, all of which have featured a vertical ...
Apple iPhone 15 Pro spatial video capture lifestyle

$3 App Shoots Better Quality Spatial Video Than iPhone's Camera App

Friday March 29, 2024 4:48 am PDT by
A $3 third-party app can now record spatial video on iPhone 15 Pro models in a higher resolution than Apple's very own Camera app. Thanks to an update first spotted by UploadVR, Spatialify can now record spatial videos with HDR in 1080p at 60fps or in 4K at 30fps. In comparison, Apple's native Camera app is limited to recording spatial video in 1080p at 30fps. Shortly after Apple's Vision ...