Apple has announced an update to its Find My app, finally allowing third-party manufacturers to access the platform and add their own Bluetooth-powered devices to the app for easy access and location data.
Belkin, Chipolo, and VanMoof are three of the first companies set to take advantage of the new integration, and products from those providers will launch as soon as next week. VanMoof, for example, is adding its new eBikes to the Find My platform, allowing users to locate their bikes should they ever go missing, whilst Belkin will add integration for its Soundform Freedom True Wireless Earbuds.
Speaking of the new launch, Apple said: “For more than a decade, our customers have relied on Find My to locate their missing or stolen Apple devices, all while protecting their privacy.
“Now we’re bringing the powerful finding capabilities of Find My, one of our most popular services, to more people with the Find My network accessory program. We’re thrilled to see how Belkin, Chipolo, and VanMoof are utilizing this technology, and can’t wait to see what other partners create.”
In order to join the new Find My Network program, manufactures will have to follow Apple’s strict privacy rules.
Those who participate in the program will find their devices in the new Items tab on the Find My app, and products can be sold with a “Works with Apple Find My” badge for instant recognition. This is the latest in Apple’s long-rumored plan to launch its own item trackers known as AirTags, and they could be coming really soon.
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