Apple’s launch of iOS 16 and iPadOS 16, way back in late 2022, brought an understated yet significant change for users relying on the Find My network. The tech giant has doubled the item limit for Find My from 16 to 32, accommodating the growing number of AirTags and Find My compatible devices owned by many users.
This update, which went largely unnoticed until now, was highlighted in an updated support document and brought to public attention by an X (formerly Twitter) user, @nicolas09F9. MacRumors also reported the story, confirming that the Cupertino company had “increased the item limit starting with iOS 16 and iPadOS 16, but the change was not reflected on Apple’s website until now.”
Previously, with the 16-item limit, power users, particularly those with multiple AirPods Pro 2 sets, could easily reach the cap.
The support document explains the counting mechanism: “You can add up to 32 items in Find My. In addition to AirTag and the third-party Find My network accessories in the Items tab, AirPods Max count as one item, AirPods and AirPods Pro (1st generation) count as two items, and AirPods Pro (2nd generation) count as three items.” This clarifies how different devices count towards the limit.
This change is timely considering the growing ecosystem of Find My compatible products, including not just Apple’s AirTags, but also third-party trackers and accessories. With more products entering the market incorporating these capabilities, the increased limit offers users greater flexibility and convenience in tracking their belongings.
Although reaching 16 devices might have seemed like a stretch to many observers, the rapid expansion of compatible devices and the popularity of Apple’s tracking technology suggest that even the new 32-item limit could be quickly filled by some users.
For users with extensive collections of gadgets and accessories, this update is a welcome enhancement to Apple’s Find My network, ensuring that keeping track of multiple devices is now easier than ever.