Apple has announced that its long-awaited Find My feature will be launched in South Korea in 2025, marking a significant update for the country’s tech landscape. Scheduled to roll out in the spring, this move addresses a major gap in Apple’s tracking network and promises to enhance the usability of AirTags in South Korea.
Why the Delay?
For years, South Korea has been one of the few countries without access to Apple’s Find My network. The absence of this feature has been particularly noticeable given that Apple sells AirTags in the country. Without Find My, these small, tracking devices are less effective, essentially reducing them to mere decorative items.
The reason for the delay has been a topic of speculation. A user petition cited “internal policy” as the barrier, suggesting that South Korea’s stringent privacy regulations might have played a role. Previously, Apple had attributed the lack of Find My to difficulties in exporting high-precision map data due to local laws, as reported by MacRumors.
Privacy and Mapping Data Challenges:
South Korea is known for its strict regulations regarding geographic data. These restrictions have posed challenges for international platforms like Google Maps and Apple Maps, impacting their ability to provide real-time mapping data. This has also affected location-based services and games, such as Pokémon Go, which rely heavily on accurate mapping information.
Despite these challenges, Find My has already been operational in South Korea’s outlying territories like Baengnyeongdo and Ulleungdo. The delay in extending this service to the mainland has left many users wondering about the reasons behind it.
What This Means for South Korean Users:
The introduction of Find My in South Korea is set to significantly improve the functionality of AirTags and other Apple devices. South Korean users will finally be able to fully utilize the Find My network to track their belongings with greater precision. This development is expected to enhance user experience and address the complaints that have been voiced over the years.
Looking Forward:
With the rollout of Find My in South Korea, Apple is set to bridge a crucial gap in its tracking services. This update is a welcome change for many who have been eager to make the most of their AirTags and other Apple products. As we approach the launch, users are hopeful that the platform will function seamlessly and live up to expectations.