Apple today announced the launch of its new "Find My Network" accessory program, which allows third-party accessories to be integrated into the Find My app. A U1 specification is also expected to follow.
The first Find My accessories from VanMoof, Belkin and Chipolo will work with Find My over Bluetooth. But Apple is developing a U1 specification for chipset manufacturers that will allow third-party devices to use the U1 (ultra-wideband) chip built into the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 models. Loud Apple says third-party accessories that offer ultrawideband support for the U1 chip will be able to provide a “more precise, directionally aware experience when nearby,” making it easier to track an object, especially when that object is nearby.
Find My app: U1 specification to be made available in spring
Products that support Ultra Wideband can be located more precisely with devices that have a U1 chip, including all iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 models. Apple's decision to open up access to the U1 chip in iPhones for Find My will put third-party accessories that integrate Ultra Wideband on par with the leaked AirTags. Rumors suggest that AirTags will support the U1 chip for more precise location tracking, so Apple doesn't have a specific advantage over the competition with the way the Find My program is structured. According to Apple, the new U1 specification will be made available to device manufacturers "this spring." Accordingly, it will take some time before the first Ultra Wideband-compatible accessories with Find My integration appear. (Image: Apple)
