iPhone users have recently encountered a ‘creepy’ feature that prompts them to “check in” with ex-partners and deceased relatives. This feature, called Check In, was introduced with Apple’s iOS 17 in 2023 as a messaging and location-tracking service that allows users to notify contacts when they’ve reached a destination.
However, users have been puzzled by the suggestions of who to alert. Some have shared their odd experiences on social media. One woman reported receiving a notification to alert her deceased mother, while another was prompted to notify her ex-husband—despite being divorced for four years.
Although Check In launched last year, users have only started noticing Siri suggestions in recent months. Siri provides personalized recommendations based on how users interact with their Apple devices and apps.
A TikTok user, Jayfreezing, posted a video asking if anyone else was receiving strange alerts. “Lately, my iPhone, or Siri, has been suggesting I check in with someone,” he explained. “For some reason, it’s always my boss. It even prepares a message to share my location with them.” Jayfreezing’s video has garnered thousands of comments from people with similar experiences.
Many users have voiced concerns over the feature. One commenter noted that it’s not just annoying but also unsettling and intrusive, suggesting that an algorithm might be testing people’s relationships. Another TikToker, MsTiner, shared that although her mother passed away in February, she still receives periodic reminders to check in with her, a bittersweet notification for her. Meanwhile, others, like Danielle, find the prompts intrusive, particularly when they involve ex-partners they have no intention of contacting. “It suggests I text my ex-husband, even though we’ve been divorced for four years. I don’t want to text him ever!” she exclaimed.
Some users find the feature useful in certain contexts, though the random nature of the suggestions raises questions. A Reddit user shared that they are frequently prompted to check in with a friend who lives on a different continent, with suggestions appearing when they leave home or order an Uber.
While Apple has provided some details on how Check In works, they have remained silent on how the algorithm determines which contacts to suggest or how users can turn off these notifications. Apple simply explains that Check In is designed to help users notify family or friends when they’ve safely reached their destination and that, if users are delayed, relevant information—like location, battery level, and cell service—will be shared with the selected contact.
Courtesy of Daily Mail.
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