There’s no reason to be skeptical about Apple’s plans for AirTags. Any iPhone, iPad or Mac user can see evidence that Apple is about to add support for item trackers to the Find Me application.
All that’s necessary is to go to findmy://items in Safari on an Apple device running the latest operating system. Doing so will open a hidden screen on the Find Me app, and begin a search for… items.
The screen says, “Keep Track of Everyday Items.” And, “Add accessories or other items that are compatible with Find My and they will appear here. There’s also a link to an Apple support page that isn’t available yet.
The trick reportedly works with iOS 14.3, iPadOS 14.3 and macOS 11.1.
Apple is ready for AirTags
The hidden Find My page shows the app is looking for keys, backpacks, bikes, suitcases and headphones.
The app doesn’t say so, but numerous rumors indicate the most prominent “item” it’s searching for is AirTags. These have been the subject of leaks going back to 2019, and will apparently be Apple’s rival for Tile item-tracking tags. Attach an AirTag to a keychain or a purse and an iPhone can easily track down the device if it gets misplaced.
They supposedly will use ultra-wideband tech, in which radio signals are broadcast across a broad swath of the frequency spectrum. UWB travels well through walls, and allows distances to be determined with great accuracy. That makes it a better alternative to Bluetooth, which is what item trackers use now.
The new Find My functionality also should work with certain third-party devices. Belkin unveiled its SoundForm Freedom wireless earbuds Monday, the first non-Apple product that will work with the Find My Network.
Source: MacRumors
