Part of the innovative FindMy protocol so widely discussed here a while ago is that no other party can identify the owner of the device except the owner – or those with whom the owner shared the device location.

EDIT: Well, as others pointed out, indeed having physical access to a device changes things. The serial number is rather tied to an iCloud account, so Apple, if subpoenaed, should be able to identify its owner (but not their location).

Apple suggests that they can assist law enforcement if you have the serial number:

> To disable the AirTag and stop sharing your location, tap Instructions to Disable AirTag and follow the onscreen steps. If you feel your safety is at risk, contact your local law enforcement who can work with Apple. You might need to provide the AirTag or its serial number.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212227

While the protocol may not expose it, the device itself could have a serial number that might be associated with a specific user? EDIT: that seems to be exactly the case, see https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=29277376

That doesn't mean Apple knows who the owner is. In that case, the owner of the device is anonymously notified. So with the situation in speech, you'd notify the criminal that you found their device, probably the last thing you'd want to do in this situation.

That having said, the serial number is rather tied to an iCloud account, so Apple should be able to identify its owner (but not their location).

Is there a serial number printed on the device? Presumably Apple has a database that ties the serial number to an iCloud account and if the police had physical access to the device they could subpoena that data.

Can Apple? Give a warrant, that is

> If you’re curious to find who’s the owner of the AirTag that you have in hand, you can use your iPhone to view this information. Don’t have an iPhone? You can still use your NFC-enabled smartphone to see contact details.

https://osxdaily.com/2021/07/08/found-lost-airtag-find-owner...

I think people are mixing identifying the owner from the tracking beacon communications and identifying it from the physical device / serial number.