Apple’s Find My app, originally designed as a device search tool, has evolved into a burgeoning social network. According to 9to5Mac, while Apple hasn’t had an official social network since iTunes Ping, the Find My app has gained popularity, particularly among the younger demographic, as a tool for social connection. Bloomberg reports that an increasing number of individuals, especially from Gen Z, are using Find My to share their real-time locations with friends and family as a means of showcasing intimacy and trust within their relationships. This feature not only facilitates planned meetups but also creates unexpected, serendipitous encounters.
Apple has acknowledged this trend and has been integrating various features to support location sharing in recent iOS versions. For instance, users can now view their friends’ current locations directly within the Messages app and easily share their location in chats.
Despite the benefits, constant location sharing has raised privacy concerns. Nonetheless, the growing phenomenon of Find My as a social tool underscores the transformative impact of technology on how we connect and interact with each other.