Your Phone Can Now Track Prices for You

Shoppers can now leverage their smartphones to monitor prices for desired items and receive alerts when costs decrease. Apple's Safari browser, with its "Notify Me" feature, and Google's integrated shopping tools on Android and iOS devices, offer ways to track product prices without constant manual checking.

Safari's 'Notify Me' Feature on iPhone

For iPhone users with compatible models running iOS 27 and equipped with Apple Intelligence, Safari's "Notify Me" feature allows for website change monitoring. This goes beyond just price drops, enabling users to track when an item might be back in stock or when specific webpage content changes. To set up "Notify Me":

Open Safari and navigate to the product page.
Tap the Page Menu button in the address bar.
Select "Notify Me."
Choose a suggested request or specify what to monitor, such as a price threshold.
Adjust the checking interval (hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly).
Confirm the setting and allow notifications.

This feature is available on compatible models like the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPhone 16 or later. Standard iPhone 15 and 15 Plus models do not support Apple Intelligence and thus cannot use this feature.

Price Tracking on iPhone Without Apple Intelligence

For iPhone users whose devices do not support Safari's "Notify Me" feature, Google Chrome offers an alternative. On iOS 15 or later, Chrome can track prices on supported product pages. This requires a signed-in Google Account with history synchronization enabled.

To set up price tracking in Chrome on iPhone:

Open the Google Chrome app.
Visit the product webpage.
Tap the three-dot More menu.
Select "Track Price," if available.
Choose the desired product and tap "Track."
Allow Chrome notifications.

Users can manage tracked products within Chrome's More menu. If "Track Price" is not visible, it may not be supported for that specific product or account, or users can try searching within the Google app for a price-tracking option in its shopping results.

Price Alerts on Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel

Owners of Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices can utilize Google's shopping tools for price tracking. This can be done through the Google app or directly within Chrome.

Using the Google app:

Open the Google app.
Search for the desired product.
In the search results, locate the product listing and tap its picture or name.
Look for a "Track price" option or a bell-shaped icon and tap it.
Select any necessary options like size or color, and confirm.

Google can send notifications via phone or email when the price target is met. Users need to be signed into their Google Account with notifications enabled.

In Chrome on Android:

Open Chrome and navigate to the product page.
Tap the three-dot More menu.
Select "Track prices," if available.
Follow any prompts to enable tracking.

Tracked items can be found under Chrome's Bookmarks menu. Alert settings can be adjusted within Chrome's settings for Google services.

Google's Universal Cart

Google has also introduced Universal Cart in the U.S., which allows shoppers to save items from multiple retailers in a single place. This feature, available across Google Search and the Gemini app, monitors prices and alerts users to drops or restocks. It also identifies promotional codes and suggests payment options, with eligible purchases completable through Google Pay or directly on retailer sites.

Considerations for Price Tracking

If price-tracking options are not appearing, ensure apps and browsers are updated. For Safari, Apple Intelligence must be enabled on a compatible device. For Google tools, ensure users are signed into their Google Account and that necessary browsing settings are enabled. Some product pages may not support tracking, in which case trying another retailer's listing is advised.

Before purchasing after receiving a price alert, users are advised to check the price history, the total cost including fees and taxes, and ensure they are buying the correct version of the product.

Privacy and Safety

Utilizing price-tracking tools involves a privacy consideration. Google's tools rely on the Google Account and may require additional browsing information for improved service. Apple's "Notify Me" uses Apple Intelligence to monitor webpages. Users should review these settings and consider the trade-off between convenience and data sharing. Additionally, users should be cautious of clicking on price-drop alerts from unknown senders, as these can lead to phishing sites. Using strong antivirus software is recommended for added protection.