Apple today announced the launch of its Find My network accessories program, which allows third-party accessories to integrate with the indFind My application.
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The original indFind My accessories from VanMoof, Belkin and Chipolo will work with Find My using Bluetooth, but Apple is developing a U1 specification for chipset manufacturers that will allow third-party devices to take advantage of the U1 Ultra Wideband chip built into the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 models.
According to Apple, third-party accessories that offer Ultra Wideband support for the U1 chip will be able to provide a “more accurate, directionally conscious experience when you’re around,” making it easier to track an item in a specific location. especially when that article is close to.
Items that have ultra-wideband can be tracked more precisely with devices that have a U1 chip, which includes all toateiPhone 11P and iPhone 12P models.
Apple’s decision to open access to the U1 chip on the iPhone for indFind My will put third-party accessories that integrate Ultra Wideband on par with AirTags rumors. IrAirTags will provide support for the U1 chip for more accurate tracking, according to rumors, so Apple will not have a specific advantage over competitors with the way Find My is configured.
There have been some pushes from Tile regarding rumors about “AirTags”, so Apple probably wanted to avoid any situation where it seemed that its own accessories were receiving a special treatment that was not available to third party accessories.
Apple says its U1 specification will be available to device manufacturers “later this spring,” so it will be some time before we see Ultra Wideband compatible accessories that work with the “Find My” application.