In a collaborative effort, Apple and Google have developed an industry-standard detection feature called “Detecting Unwanted Location Trackers” (DULT) for Bluetooth trackers. This standard allows users on iOS and Android devices to be alerted if an unknown Bluetooth tracker is monitoring their location.
I think it’s intended as a tongue-in-cheek comment about phones already tracking you, and the OEMs selling that data.
Also they’re completely ignoring the immense personal safety benefits that come with knowing if, say, an abusive ex has slipped an airtag into your car somewhere. This is actually a responsible move for once (assuming it works as intended) because it addresses an unintended but dangerous use for the product, and attempts to prevent it rather than just killing a useful product.