Introduction

Apple has recently started a gradual firmware update rollout for AirTags, with the goal of finishing it by April 9. Nevertheless, a surprising twist occurred, veering away from the scheduled itinerary.
What is the issue? The tech company based in Cupertino, for some inexplicable reason, employed the incorrect date format.

In order to avoid overwhelming Apple’s computer systems with simultaneous requests for a firmware update from all  users, the company implements a staggered release of updates to prevent such a situation.

Does that sound logical to you? Nevertheless, as per a tweet by iSoftware Updates (@iSWUpdates), Apple erred in scheduling the release date for the AirTag update to version 2.0.73.

Apple AirTag Firmware Update

Apple has released the Firmware Update, but the date format is incorrect.
Has Apple mistakenly included the wrong date on AirTag firmware? According to a recent report, this validation error was completely avoidable.
The latest software version, known as build number 2A73 with firmware version 2.0.73, replaces the prior version 2.0.61 release. The last update in October mainly aimed to fix bugs and improve overall performance.

Gradual Implementation Plan

In order to avoid server overload resulting from simultaneous updates globally, Apple introduces a gradual deployment approach.

Macworld outlined specific dates for different batches of devices to receive the update. The rollout process, which was supposed to start on March 19 and finish by April 9, faced an unforeseen hiccup.

Error in Date Formatting Revealed

In contrast to the gradual method, all the AirTags received the firmware update at the same time, as reported by 9to5Mac. The anomaly was explained when iSoftware Updates Twitter account pointed out an error in Apple’s date formatting.

Reason for the Mistake

Apple mistakenly set the release dates for the 2.0.73 firmware to “m/d/24” instead of the planned “m/d/2024.” AirTags misinterpreted the dates as being from the year 24 due to this deviation from the standard format, which caused them to move straight to the 100% rollout phase.

Multiple people have expressed worries about the approval of a two-digit year format by Apple, calling for more stringent validation procedures. The supervision leads to inquiries about the quality control procedures within Apple’s development procedures.

What to expect from the update

Regarding the  firmware update to version 2.0.73, Apple did not provide a comprehensive list of changes for the update, leaving users uncertain about what to expect after updating the device.

Updating AirTags to firmware version 2.0.73 – a guide.

Firmware version 2.0.73 is currently accessible for download. If you want to stay current with all the news, the next step is to update it.

However, the process of updating AirTags is not as fast and simple as updating an iPhone; rather, it is more akin to updating AirPods. Apple lacks a settings section for updating the AirTag firmware, leaving us with the options of waiting or attempting to manually initiate the update.

Start by finding out what firmware version your AirTag is running on. To accomplish this, open the Find My app on your iPhone, select Objects at the bottom, select your AirTag, then choose its name to view the installed firmware version.

If you possess version 2.0.73, you have already performed the update. If they have completed a prior one, they have not done it so far.
To prompt the update to version 2.0.73 on your device, you must bring it close to your iPhone and wait to complete the update process. These steps can be followed to achieve this.

• Place the AirTag and iPhone in close proximity to each other.
  
• Access the Find My app on your iPhone and verify the firmware version.
  
• Hold on if you don’t possess the most recent edition.
  
• The Search app does not need to be open.
  
• Eventually, the AirTag will receive an update.

AirTag Lawsuit Progresses: Judge Denies Apple’s Dismissal Motion Amid Tracking Concerns

Apple attempted to get a lawsuit dismissed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The lawsuit claims that criminals use the item tracker to follow their targets.

According to Bloomberg, Judge Vince Chhabria declined to throw out the lawsuit, stating that the three plaintiffs had provided enough evidence to support their claims of negligence and product liability against Apple.

Conclusion

To summarize, a mistake in the date format caused a delay in the deployment of firmware update, underscoring the need for thorough validation procedures.

At the same time, the legal case against Apple regarding AirTag tracking issues is advancing in the California court system, highlighting the wider significance of product liability and negligence allegations in the technology sector.

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