Around this time last year, Google and Apple partnered to announce a new specification designed to prevent Bluetooth-enabled tracking devices from tracking users unknowingly. 

At the time, the specification was just a proposal. The best Bluetooth tracker can be very helpful in finding keys and other items. But they can also often be exploited to track down individuals without their knowledge. Apple devices were not good at stopping Bluetooth trackers.

It seems that the specification is finally becoming a reality. Announced today, Apple and Google are rolling out a new specification called detection of unwanted location tracking devices for Bluetooth tracking devices. 

The original proposal was submitted to the Internet Engineering Task Force, which allowed interested parties to review and comment on the proposal over a 3-month period. Then Apple and Google were able to work together to release an implementation of the specification.

There was expectation that the specification would be rolled out by the end of 2023. Based on the meeting notes and video, the IETF Working Group on the detection of unwanted location tracking devices was still working through the proposal by May 3 of this year. But it seems that all parties worked through it to roll out the new specification. Apple and Google have said that the two companies will continue to work with the IETF to develop official standards on specifications.

This specification will be implemented in iOS17.5, just released this week. Google is adding features to Android6.0+ devices. Android is currently version 14 and 15 is due to be released later this fall, so the new spec will come back quite a bit. 

Now, if you see an unknown Bluetooth tracking device moving over time, regardless of the platform on which the device is paired, the user will receive a "[Item] Found Moving With You" alert on the device."

An alert means that an AirTag, find My accessory, or other Bluetooth tracker device is moving with that person. According to Apple, the iPhone will display the tracker's identifier and let the tracker play a sound that will help you find it. It also provides access to instructions to disable Bluetooth devices. 

On Android, the alerts are a bit different. The Android alert will show "The tracker is traveling with you" if an unknown Bluetooth tracker is found. Similarly, however, it will allow the user to play the sound to find the device and access instructions to disable it.  Apple has said that Bluetooth manufacturers such as Chipolo, eufy, Jio, Motorola and Pebblebee are committed to making future Bluetooth trackers compatible with new specifications.