How does the AirTag work?

regarding what Chatanoogan wrote. He/she is fairly accurate but a few minor corrections are needed.

Accurate Parts:

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• AirTag movement with a non-affiliated iPhone: If an AirTag is moving with a non-affiliated iPhone for a period of time, and the owner's device is not nearby, the non-affiliated iPhone can indeed receive an alert. This is a core feature of AirTag's anti-stalking mechanism.
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Inaccurate Part:

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• Being in the same room with a non-affiliated AirTag: While it's true that simply being in the same room with a non-affiliated AirTag won't immediately trigger an alert, the clarification oversimplifies the situation. Over time, if an AirTag consistently appears near a non-affiliated iPhone in various locations, it can raise suspicion and potentially trigger an alert.
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To summarize:

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• Short-term proximity: No alert.
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• Long-term, repeated proximity in different locations: Potential alert.
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Apple has implemented these measures to prevent unwanted tracking and protect user privacy. It's essential to remember that the system is not foolproof, and users should remain vigilant and aware of their surrounding

Why not? It’s not like your privacy is violated. If you really lack that sense of community, then just tirn off your Bluetooth. Otherwise, I am sure that you agreed to it in the small print of an end user license agreement

Why use an AirTag when it only tells your luggage is no longer with you or last seen somewhere. I want to know where my luggage is not where I last saw it

I want to track my luggage

I’m confused too

how can it track anything if it’s only within Bluetooth range

Then you need to use a dedicated tracking device that relies on GPS, not Bluetooth, if you want to track your luggage.

I do not want apple using my position and Bluetooth to sell airtags.

thanks for repeating exactly what I just said.

See my response from June 18 above.

That’s a yes then, thanks

Would someone get a notification from my tag? I hid one in my grandsons book bag for personal reasons and his mother said she was notified it was in his bag.

Then buy a different phone.

I think these are the same people who click on malware in emails…

To clarify …

… if an Airtag is moving with a “non-affiliated” iPhone for a significant period of time AND the owner’s device is NOT nearby …

… the non-affiliated iPhone will receive an alert.

Simply being in the same room with a “non-affiliated” AirTag will not cause an iPhone alert.