iPhone users warned they could be being stalked and how you can fix the issue

Apple has warned all iPhone owners that they are at risk of being stalked unless they act quickly to fix a technical issue.

And it's an issue that can be easily fixed, as long as you follow a number of specific instructions.

The American tech giant has recently released its latest iOS 17.5 update, which includes a number of handy features including third-party web app downloads.

There's also a new function for the Find My app, called Repair State.

This means you can track your iPhone if you have to send it off for repair; previously it was turned off as per Apple instructions in the repair process.

But it is another crucial tool that has been introduced to protect iPhone users from, in the worst case scenarios, being stalked without their knowledge.

And it's all to do with the Apple AirTag, which has become an incredibly popular product since it was first released back in 2021.

For those living under a rock, AirTags act as key or device finders depending on what they're attached too, with some even putting them on their pets collars so as not to lose their loyal pooches.

A new iPhone update is available (Getty Stock Images)

Using the Find My network, iPhone users with synced AirTags can track where the AirTag is and therefore not lose what it is attached to. Right now, there are roughly one billion of them across the world.

Sadly, those with more sinister intentions have tried to harness the simple AirTag for their less than innocent intentions, such as preying on innocent strangers.

In the years since the device was released, Apple has tried its best to tackle the issue with waring issued to customers via updates.

This includes allowing a person's iPhone to tell them if there is a nearby AirTag so as to come across unwanted trackers should the worst happen.

You could be being tracked (Getty Stock Images)

Now, this week Apple has improved that feature once more through iOS 17.5.

Through Apple's roll out of its Detecting Unwanted Location Trackers specification, iPhone users can detect and locate any nearby Bluetooth tracking devices, in addition to Apple’s own AirTags.

And importantly, it can track if they are moving with them hinting that they could be on their person or in something such as their personal bag.

Apple said: "If a user gets such an alert on their iOS device, it means that someone else’s AirTag, Find My accessory, or other industry specification-compatible Bluetooth tracker is moving with them."

Google is rolling out a similar feature for Android phones as well, meaning major phone manufacturers across the board are seeing the value in protecting customers.