Apple is officially opening up its Find My tracking network to third-party products, which means that any hardware manufacturer can add software-side support for Apple’s localised network to find missing items.
You mean, Apple and other devices will be compatible? It’s a bloody miracle, we know.
The only catch is – they have to play by Apple’s rules, AKA the Made for iPhone (MFi) regulations.
Some companies have jumped on right away, with the first wave of items including VanMoof’s S3 and X3 e-bikes, Belkin’s SoundForm Freedom True Wireless Earbuds, and the Chipolo One Spot tracking tag. All of these devices can now rely on Apple’s Bluetooth network, which previously only allowed for iPads, iPhones and Macs.
This opening created by Apple will allow users to add those devices to the new and improved Find My app starting from today, and can track them the same way you can track your Apple devices.
“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,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s Vice President of Worldwide Product Marketing said in a release.
“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 utilising this technology, and can’t wait to see what other partners create.”
Apple has a strict set of rules for devices that are part of the Find My Network accessory program, and all third-party products must adhere to all of the privacy protections of the Find My Network. According to Apple, more third-party manufacturers will offer Find My-enabled products soon, meaning that your brand of device may be next!
The products available to be found by Apple will be in the “Items” tab and will have a “Works with Apple Find My” badge.
Third-party accessories can be added to the Find My app on devices running iOS 14.3 and later or macOS Big Sur 11.1 and later.
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