Apple’s latest update for the Find My app allows users to locate and track supported third-party products using its features.
Find My app that comprises hundreds of millions of Apple devices will now also support products from Belkin, Chipolo and VanMoof. The support will begin next week onwards.
Third-party products will need to follow the privacy protection guidelines of the Find My network accessory program. Approved compatible products will carry a ‘Works with Apple Find My’ badge.
Apple also announced a draft specification for chipset manufacturers that will allow third=party devices to work with Apple U1’s ultra-wideband tech. It will be released in the next month or two.
“For more than a decade, our customers have relied on Find My to locate their missing or stolen Apple devices, all while protecting their privacy. Now we’re bringing the powerful finding capabilities of Find My, one of our most popular services, to more people with the Find My network accessory program. We’re thrilled to see how Belkin, Chipolo, and VanMoof are utilizing this technology, and can’t wait to see what other partners create,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s VP of Worldwide Product Marketing.
VanMoof’s latest S3 and X3 e-bikes, Belkin’s Soundform Freedom true wireless earbuds and Chipolo One Spot item finder will be some of the first third-party accessories to work with Find My.
With the new Items tab in the Find My app, users will be able to locate their bike, earbuds or backpack on a map from their iPhone, iPad or Mac.
“In the near future, when bikes are the primary mode of transportation in cities, this will come in handy as it gives riders around the world peace of mind they’ll be able to swiftly locate their ride,” said Ties Carlier, co-founder of VanMoof.
Interested developers can learn about the Made for iPhone (MFi) program here.
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