Find My App Works With More Than Just Apple Devices
April 7, 2021Apple’s sophisticated Find My app, is the envy of the tech industry. It allows users to find lost or stolen Apple devices by pinpointing its location on a map, put it in Lost Mode to lock it immediately, and display a message with a contact number. It also lets them remotely erase the device in case it has fallen into the wrong hands.
Now, Cupertino is extending this same functionality of its Find My network to third party manufacturers and developers. The accessory program is designed for any accessory developer looking to connect thier product to the Find My network. However, they are required to adhere to all privacy protections that have been put in place.
Approved products can be added to the new Items tab and will feature a “Works with Apple Find My” badge. This marking is meant to inform users that said product is compatible with the Find My network and Find My app. A draft specifications for chipset makers will be released later in year to allow device makers to utilize Ultra Wideband tech of Apple devices.
VanMoof’s latest S3 and X3 e-bikes, Belkin’s SOUNDFORM Freedom True Wireless Earbuds, and the Chipolo ONE Spot item finder are the first ones to work with Find My. Users will now be able to use Apple’s Find My network to locate their bike, earbuds, backpack and more. Eventually, many more devices will be compatible with the crowdsourced Find My network.
Even if devices can’t or don’t connect to the internet, the Find My app can still locate them. It’s because Apple’s system uses information from millions of Apple devices that use Bluetooth wireless technology to detect missing devices or items nearby, and report their approximate location back to the owner.
Manufacturers and accessory developers can visit apple.com to learn more about the Made For iPhone (MFi) program and download the latest Find My network accessory program specification.
