A new APK indicates Google is at least looking into OS-level detection for errant AirTags and Tile trackers.
It’s possible that Google will include Bluetooth tracker detection in Android. With the increased use of gadgets like Tile trackers and Apple AirTags, there have been reports of bad actors installing one on someone else and using it to track their activities.
Apple introduced the AirTag in April of last year, and since then, it has added many more techniques to detect them. It has modified the device to play a sound if it is separated from its owner for more than 24 hours, while an iPhone would alert the user if it detects an unwelcome AirTag. Apple released an Android app in December that can scan for AirTags. Tile added a similar feature to its iOS and Android apps earlier this month.
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However, there are some issues with current detection methods on Android. Users would both need to be aware of the fact that Bluetooth trackers can be misused and have apps that can detect them installed on their device. The Apple and Tile apps also require users to scan for trackers manually, a process that can take around 10 minutes.
According to 9to5Google, the Android team has started work on a tracker detection feature in Play services. The most recent APK code includes references to Tile trackers and “ATag” (probably AirTags) and hints that Android users may be able to ring detected devices.
The feature is said to be in early development and it’ll likely be some time before Google releases it publicly (if at all). Having automatic detection built into the OS, or even a manual scanner with a warning to all users about the potential for stalking, would surely help protect users from being tracked. Hopefully, we’ll learn more about Google’s tracker detection plans at I/O in May.
