The iPhone plays a big role in the vast Find My network and Apple continues to add new features to the app, the latest being the ability to scan for nearby trackers. Bluetooth trackers have become fairly common and might be a cause for concern if used to secretly monitor when and where people travel, so this is an important addition for the iPhone. This recent capability is available in the iOS 15.2 beta, but will likely appear in the general release in the coming weeks.

Apple launched its AirTag Bluetooth beacon in early 2021. The advanced tracker is more precise than most others since it also transmits ultra-wideband (UWB) signals that can be used by compatible iPhone models to locate objects within inches. The iPhone 11, 12, and 13 all have UWB capability, as does the Apple Watch SE, Series 6, and Series 7. Of course, conventional Bluetooth trackers have been around for several years and the iPhone is compatible with that technology as well.

Related: Is An AirTag Cat Collar Worth It?

Apple's latest iOS 15.2 beta release adds a couple of new abilities to the Find My app. Most interesting is the option to scan for Items That Can Track Me. In the current general release that's available to everyone, an iPhone periodically scans for trackers and alerts the user if any are found. However, there is no way to trigger the check manually so having the option to scan at the user's discretion is a nice addition. First spotted by MacRumors, this feature can be found in the Items tab of the Find My app after dragging the panel up.

The iPhone Can Help With Lost Items

Apple iPhone iOS 14.6 AirTag Find My Update

Another change to the Find My app with the latest iOS 15.2 beta update is the option to Help Return Lost Items. This is useful if a keyring or a bag is found that has an AirTag or another Find My compatible Bluetooth tracker attached and needs to be identified so it can be returned to its owner. Scanning an AirTag used to be a bit awkward and unreliable, requiring the beacon to be waved around behind the iPhone until it picked up the NFC tag and scanned its Bluetooth signal.

With the new feature, the scan can be launched with a tap of the button, which should reveal contact details and information that can help return the lost item. If the tracker is an AirTag, an email or phone number will be shown on the iPhone along with the serial number of the AirTag and any message that the owner left.

Next: What To Do If You Find An AirTag And Own An Android Phone

Source: MacRumors