The ability to monitor the location of a device running Google’s Android operating system utilizing a device running Apple’s iOS is a functionality sought by many users. The feasibility of achieving this relies on employing third-party applications or built-in features offered by both operating systems when such features are enabled and consented to. For example, location-sharing apps installed on both an Android phone and an iPhone facilitate location tracking between the two devices.
The impetus behind such cross-platform device tracking often stems from a need to keep tabs on family members, ensure the safety of valuable assets, or recover lost devices. Historically, achieving this required specialized software or technical expertise. The advent of user-friendly applications and integrated operating system functionalities has democratized this capability, making it accessible to a wider range of individuals. However, ethical considerations surrounding privacy and consent are paramount.