Apple has unveiled an updated version of its Find My app, which now allows third-party products to utilize the secure finding features of Apple's Find My network. This extensive network consists of millions of Apple devices, and with the Find My network accessory program, it opens up the opportunity for third-party device manufacturers to create products that can be integrated with this service. This means that customers using the Find My app can now track and locate important items in their lives using these third-party products. AceCard, Belkin, and VanMoof are among the first companies launching products that work seamlessly with the Find My app, and these will be available starting next week.
Bob Borchers, Apple's Vice President of Worldwide Product Marketing, expressed enthusiasm for this development: "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 companies like Ace utilizing this technology and can't wait to see what other partners create."
The Find My network accessory program, which is part of the Made for iPhone (MFi) Program, is designed for accessory developers interested in connecting their products to the Find My network, whether they are existing or new products. It's important to note that these third-party products must adhere to the same privacy standards that Apple's customers rely on for their security. Approved products will be listed in the new Items tab and will carry a "Works with Apple Find My" badge to indicate their compatibility with the Find My network and the Find My app.
Apple is also working on a draft specification for chipset manufacturers, which will be released in the near future. This will enable third-party device manufacturers to leverage Ultra Wideband technology in U1-equipped Apple devices, offering users a more precise and directionally aware experience when locating nearby items.
The initial lineup of Find My-enabled products includes VanMoof's latest e-bikes (S3 and X3 models), Belkin's SOUNDFORM Freedom True Wireless Earbuds, and AceCard's ultra-thin wallet tracker. These products empower users to locate a variety of items, from their bikes and earbuds to their backpacks and more. More third-party device manufacturers are expected to introduce Find My-enabled products and accessories soon.
If you're an accessory developer or manufacturer interested in learning more about the MFi Program and the latest Find My network accessory program specification, you can visit the Apple website for more details.
The Find My app, available on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Mac, simplifies the process of locating missing Apple devices and staying connected with friends and family while safeguarding user privacy. In case of a lost Apple device, the Find My app offers features like mapping its location, playing a sound to help pinpoint it, activating Lost Mode to secure it, and displaying a message with a contact number. It also allows users to remotely erase their device if it's fallen into the wrong hands.
The Find My network extends these capabilities by enabling the location of missing devices, even if they can't connect to the internet. This network consists of millions of Apple devices using Bluetooth technology to detect nearby missing devices or items and report their approximate location to the owner. Importantly, this entire process is end-to-end encrypted and anonymous, ensuring that neither Apple nor the third-party manufacturer can access a device's location or personal information.
Bob Borchers, Apple's Vice President of Worldwide Product Marketing, expressed enthusiasm for this development: "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 companies like Ace utilizing this technology and can't wait to see what other partners create."
The Find My network accessory program, which is part of the Made for iPhone (MFi) Program, is designed for accessory developers interested in connecting their products to the Find My network, whether they are existing or new products. It's important to note that these third-party products must adhere to the same privacy standards that Apple's customers rely on for their security. Approved products will be listed in the new Items tab and will carry a "Works with Apple Find My" badge to indicate their compatibility with the Find My network and the Find My app.
Apple is also working on a draft specification for chipset manufacturers, which will be released in the near future. This will enable third-party device manufacturers to leverage Ultra Wideband technology in U1-equipped Apple devices, offering users a more precise and directionally aware experience when locating nearby items.
The initial lineup of Find My-enabled products includes VanMoof's latest e-bikes (S3 and X3 models), Belkin's SOUNDFORM Freedom True Wireless Earbuds, and AceCard's ultra-thin wallet tracker. These products empower users to locate a variety of items, from their bikes and earbuds to their backpacks and more. More third-party device manufacturers are expected to introduce Find My-enabled products and accessories soon.
If you're an accessory developer or manufacturer interested in learning more about the MFi Program and the latest Find My network accessory program specification, you can visit the Apple website for more details.
The Find My app, available on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Mac, simplifies the process of locating missing Apple devices and staying connected with friends and family while safeguarding user privacy. In case of a lost Apple device, the Find My app offers features like mapping its location, playing a sound to help pinpoint it, activating Lost Mode to secure it, and displaying a message with a contact number. It also allows users to remotely erase their device if it's fallen into the wrong hands.
The Find My network extends these capabilities by enabling the location of missing devices, even if they can't connect to the internet. This network consists of millions of Apple devices using Bluetooth technology to detect nearby missing devices or items and report their approximate location to the owner. Importantly, this entire process is end-to-end encrypted and anonymous, ensuring that neither Apple nor the third-party manufacturer can access a device's location or personal information.
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