This article may contain affiliate links. Learn more on our Partner Program page.
Reports about an Apple tracker have increased dramatically in recent weeks. In addition to several iOS 13 leaks, further evidence has now emerged from official sources.
The word "AirTag" was first discovered in iOS 13.2 and, according to the code, is said to refer to Apple's new tracker. However, the name "AirTag" is protected. The rights to this trademark were held by a Russian group of companies specializing in RFID technology. Now, Apple is said to have officially acquired the "AirTag" trademark. Russian media reports claim that a group of companies called ISBC—also known as "The leading smart card and RFID tag manufacturer in Russia"—has sold the "AirTag" trademark to Apple. The report has now been officially confirmed in a statement on the ISBC website. According to the statement, there has indeed been a transaction to transfer the rights to "AirTag." However, details about the buyer cannot be disclosed as they fall under confidentiality conditions - according to the company. The company explained the rebranding as follows:
"The ISBC® Group has decided to pursue the development of its own products under the unified ISBC® brand. This decision to rebrand is heavily dependent on the international deal for the transfer of the AIRTAG® brand. The transfer of RFID key fobs from the AIRTAG® brand to our flagship ISBC® demonstrates our confidence in the future of our products and solutions. The confidentiality agreement does not allow us to disclose the transaction in detail. However, we can express our confidence that the future of the AIRTAG® brand, which we envisioned and registered internationally, will be bright, and that the whole world will know and love this new product."
movement not to track
Apple is not mentioned by name here, but the current iOS 13.2 version the deal indirectly. The name "AirTag" has already been secured. According to the code, this is definitely reserved for Apple's as yet unreleased tracker. If you follow the movements of the "AirTag" trademark registration directly, you will currently find no reference to Apple. However, this is due to the fact that the company temporarily operates under a different name in such transactions. Accordingly, an official adaptation of the brand by Apple Inc. is to be expected at a later date – preferably after the release of the respective product. When Apple will introduce the new accessory remains completely unclear. Everything we know so far about AirTag can be found in our extensive Summary read it. (Photo by ismagilov / Bigstockphot)
