Apple could be developing its own Tile-like personal item tracking

Apple tree is reportedly working on a new Tile-like projection codenamed 'B389' that would allow users to track any detail, according to 9to5Mac.

The new hardware product is rumoured to be a tag that tin attach to whatever item in the same fashion every bit a Bluetooth tracking device similar Tile. The physical tag pairs to the user's iCloud account, and its location is monitored past a nearby iPhone or some other iOS device. This is similar to how Apple's smartphone can locate a pair of AirPods.

Notifications are sent when the tagged device moves too far away from the iPhone. Specific areas can also exist added to a list of ignored locations, and so you're not constantly bombarded with messages when at piece of work or at home. The location of tags can as well be shared with friends and family.

Other rumoured features include the ability to store contact information in the tag that can be read by any Apple device when the tiny tracker is set to 'lost mode.' The owner of the tag then receives a notification when the device it's fastened to is located.

Given the number of iPhones out in the wild, Apple tree already has a massive network of smartphones capable of detecting these rumoured tags. Information technology's unclear if the tracking device volition connect to iOS devices through Bluetooth or if it volition utilize Wi-Fi.

It'southward also unknown when the rumoured tracking device volition transport to consumers, just 9to5Mac's sources indicate that it could launch as early as September alongside the tech behemothic's 2019 iPhones. Tile, which positions itself every bit the Apple of tracking devices, most recently released the Mate and the Pro, ii tiny Bluetooth trackers with replaceable batteries.

Forth with the tracking device higher up, Apple is reportedly planning to release a new app that volition replace the current 'Detect My Friends' and 'Find My iPhone' apps. The new app volition retain the aforementioned tracking features, but with the functionality combined into i single app set to be bachelor across iOS and macOS. This app, according to 9to5Mac, will also be role of Apple's cantankerous-platform Marzipan project.

In terms of new features, the revamped tracking app is prepare to include functionality called 'Find Network' that allows devices to be tracked even when non connected to Wi-Fi or a cellular network. Farther, users will be able to share the location of devices with family and friends. This functionality even includes the ability for notifications to be created for when a friend arrives at a specific location.

It will too be possible to set devices to 'lost style' then they play a audio when yous're trying to locate them with the app.

Source: 9to5Mac