Illinois Woman Files Lawsuit Alleging Apple AirTag Was Used to Track and Stalk Her

An Illinois woman has filed a new product liability lawsuit against Apple, alleging an AirTag was secretly used to track her movements and enabled years of stalking, harassment, and physical abuse.

The lawsuit, Doe M.R. 1 v. Apple Inc., was filed September 16, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe M.R. 1 for safety reasons, alleges that Apple released AirTags without adequate safeguards, despite knowing the devices could be misused for unwanted tracking and stalking.

According to the complaint, the woman believes an AirTag was concealed in her vehicle sometime in 2026 and used to monitor her location. She alleges the tracking allowed a man who had been stalking her to locate and approach her, including an incident in which he allegedly grabbed her and followed her into a store.

The plaintiff says she has reported stalking to law enforcement agencies since 2022 and has relocated multiple times because of concerns for her safety.

The allegations have not been proven in court, and Apple has not been found liable in the case.

Lawsuit Raises Questions About AirTag Anti-Stalking Safeguards

Apple introduced AirTags in 2021 to help consumers locate personal belongings such as keys, luggage, wallets, and bags via Apple’s Find My network.

The Illinois lawsuit alleges that Apple knew, before releasing the product, that the small tracking devices could be concealed and potentially misused to follow people without their knowledge.

The plaintiff further alleges that Apple’s original safety measures were inadequate and that the company subsequently introduced additional protections in response to reports of AirTags being used for stalking and unwanted tracking.

According to the complaint, Apple received more than 40,000 reports related to AirTag stalking between April 2021 and April 2024. That figure is an allegation contained in AirTag litigation and should not be interpreted as a judicial finding.

Apple has publicly stated that AirTags were created to track personal belongings, not people, and that it condemns the malicious use of its products. The company has added and expanded unwanted-tracking protections since AirTags were introduced.

Apple and Google announced cross-platform unwanted-tracking protections in 2024 that allow compatible iPhone and Android devices to alert users when an unknown Bluetooth tracker appears to be moving with them. Apple also provides tools designed to help users locate and disable an unknown AirTag.

AirTag Stalking Lawsuits Continue to Be Filed

The Illinois case is the latest in a growing number of lawsuits alleging AirTags have been used for stalking and unwanted surveillance.

A group of plaintiffs previously sought to pursue AirTag-related claims against Apple through a class action in federal court in California. In March 2026, U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria denied class certification. Following that decision, numerous plaintiffs began pursuing individual lawsuits alleging they were tracked or stalked using AirTags.

Similar lawsuits have since been filed in several states. The cases generally allege that Apple knew AirTags could be misused for stalking and failed to provide adequate safeguards when the devices were released. Apple disputes allegations that its AirTag design and safety measures make the company legally responsible for criminal misuse of the devices.

The new Illinois plaintiff brings claims that include negligence, design defect, invasion of privacy, and alleged violations of the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act.

The case is Doe M.R. 1 v. Apple Inc., Case No. 1:26-cv-11362, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

Levin Papantonio Is Investigating Apple AirTag Stalking Claims

Levin Papantonio is investigating claims involving individuals who allege they were stalked or tracked without their consent using an Apple AirTag.

The growing number of individual lawsuits raises questions about what Apple knew about the potential misuse of AirTags, the safeguards incorporated into the product at the time of its release, and whether subsequent safety updates adequately addressed the risks of unwanted tracking.

Learn more about Apple AirTag stalking lawsuits, allegations involving unwanted tracking, and the types of claims currently being investigated here.

Sources

Law360, Ill. Woman Says Apple AirTags Enabled Stalking Abuse, Sept. 17, 2026.