Find My iPhone or Find My AirPods will soon become obsolete commands. Find my app opens its doors to third party integration, which means there is a lot you can look for with the app now.
In renewal, Apple allowed third-party products to use the Find My network. With this, Apple wants to expand the power of the app Find my stuff on a number of important things, besides those already in the Apple ecosystem.
And if you ever wonder how a review can help you, Apple has provided examples of third-party products now compatible with the app. These include VanMoof S3 and X3 e-bikes, Belkin’s SOUNDFORM Freedom True Wireless Earbuds, and the Chipolo ONE Spot finder.
Within the three items, the compatibility varies from e-bikes to car keys, wallet and more. Apple says the products will be available early next week.
The extension is part of the Access My Network Accessory Program. This app helps any hardware developer to have an old or new product to connect to the Find My network.
Apple, however, prides itself on its encrypted and secure environment. All third party products wishing to use the Find My network must comply with all of its privacy protection guidelines.
Apple will also release draft chipset manufacturers later this spring. It will enable third-party device makers to install Ultra-Wideband technology that works with Apple devices equipped with U1.
Once approved, products will be listed under the New Items tab. They will also include a “Works with Apple Find My” badge to inform users of the ability. Apple says that in addition to the three listed above, many manufacturers will be offering products and services for My soon.
Apple device users, including those on the iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Mac, can use the Apple app to get My My. To date, the app allows users to find lost Apple devices, including AirPods or Apple Watch.
The app does that by pointing the location of the device on a map. It can even play audio on the device so users can find it near them. In case they detect that this item has been stolen, they can use the app to put it in lost mode and lock or erase their data immediately.
The app uses Find My network, a crowded network of hundreds of millions of Apple devices. Since the network uses Bluetooth wireless technology, it can work even if the lost device is not connected to the Internet.
Apple says the whole process is encrypted to the end and unknown. So no one else, not even Apple or a third party manufacturer, can view the device’s location or details.
