# iOS 18.2: New AirTag Functionality to Assist in Tracking Lost Luggage
Apple’s iOS 18.2 is in the preliminary testing phase, with a projected launch in early December. While this update will introduce numerous improvements, one of its highlighted features is a fresh option in the **Find My** app, aimed at simplifying the tracking of misplaced luggage using **AirTags** for travelers. Dubbed **”Share Item Location,”** this feature revolutionizes the way travelers manage the common issue of lost baggage.
## What Exactly is the “Share Item Location” Feature?
The **Share Item Location** functionality enables users to transmit the location of their AirTag to another individual or an organization, including airlines. This becomes particularly beneficial in scenarios where your luggage may be misplaced or delayed during your journey. According to Apple, this feature operates by permitting the user to send a link to a trusted contact or airline, which allows them to access the AirTag’s location for a defined period.
Apple outlines the feature as follows:
> “Get assistance in locating your lost AirTag by sharing its location with an airline or a reliable person. The recipient of the link will be able to see your AirTag’s position for a limited duration.”
This feature aims to enhance the efficiency of tracking lost belongings, especially luggage, by granting airlines or other individuals direct access to the AirTag’s position. This could considerably expedite the recovery process for lost items by removing the need for protracted correspondence with the airline or related parties.
## Why is This Feature Significant?
For anyone who has confronted the challenge of lost luggage during travel, the **Share Item Location** feature is a significant benefit. Historically, travelers utilizing AirTags to monitor their luggage could access its location via their personal devices but lacked a straightforward method to share this critical information with the airline or other relevant entities. This often resulted in annoying delays as airlines sought to find the luggage independently, despite the traveler already knowing its whereabouts.
A personal story illustrates this point effectively: One traveler remembered a journey to Los Angeles where their suitcase faced delays. Because of an AirTag affixed to the bag, they could monitor its arrival at **LAX** airport, even before the airline had contacted them. Rather than waiting for the airline to reach out, they proactively went to the airport and obtained their luggage themselves, saving a considerable amount of time and frustration.
With the introduction of the **Share Item Location** feature, travelers now have the means to communicate the AirTag’s location directly to the airline, enabling quicker and more effective luggage retrieval. This can potentially minimize waiting periods associated with recovering lost items and enhance the overall experience for both travelers and airlines.
## What is the Process?
After updating to iOS 18.2 and having an AirTag linked to your luggage, here’s how the **Share Item Location** function operates:
1. **Access the Find My App**: Go to the **Find My** app on your iPhone.
2. **Choose the AirTag**: Select the AirTag attached to your luggage or lost belongings.
3. **Share Location**: You’ll find a new option labeled “Share Item Location.” Tap it to create a link.
4. **Distribute the Link**: Send the link to a trusted individual or the airline. The person receiving the link can then see the AirTag’s location for a short duration, facilitating the process of locating your luggage.
This feature proves particularly advantageous for frequent travelers or those who have dealt with luggage issues in the past. It offers a straightforward yet impactful method to guarantee that your items are trackable and recoverable, even when they’re beyond your immediate reach.
## Compatibility and Upcoming Enhancements
One of the standout elements of this new functionality is that it does not necessitate an **Apple Intelligence-compatible device**. This implies that even if you don’t possess the latest iPhone model, you can take advantage of the **Share Item Location** feature, provided you own an AirTag and are operating iOS 18.2.
Moreover, this feature is introduced at an intriguing juncture, as speculation suggests that Apple is developing a second-generation AirTag, anticipated to debut in 2025. The forthcoming version of the AirTag is rumored to include a **superior ultrawide-band chip**, analogous to the one featured in the iPhone 15. This would enhance the AirTag’s range and connectivity, making it simpler to track lost items from a greater distance.
For the moment, the **Share Item Location** feature represents a substantial enhancement to the existing AirTag capabilities, and it is expected to be well-received by both travelers and airlines. It’s easy to envision airlines incorporating this feature into their operational frameworks to streamline the process of locating lost luggage.
