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| Find My Network can be used with third-party products |
Apple today released an updated Find Me app that enables third-party products to use the private and secure search capabilities of a network of hundreds of millions of Apple devices.
The company first announced plans to open its network to third-party manufacturers during WWDC 2020.
The new network accessory program opens Apple's global network of third-party manufacturers to create products that use the service so that customers can use Find My App to find and track key elements of the service.
Starting next week, the new product will be used with the Find Me app with Belkin, Chipolo and VanMoof.
Bob Borchers, Apple's vice president of global product marketing, said our customers have relied on Find Me for more than a decade to find lost or stolen Apple devices while protecting their privacy.
“We are now using additional network software to bring more people to the powerful Find My Network search engine,” he added, and we are pleased to see Belkin, Chipolo and VanMoof use this technology.
The new software is part of Made for iPhone and is suitable for any accessory developer who wants to connect an existing product or new product to the Apple network.
Third-party products must comply with all Find My privacy statements that Apple customers rely on.
An approved product can be added to the New Project tab and the product is awarded a badge to clearly inform the user that the product is network and app compatible.
Apple today also announced draft specifications for chip makers that will be released this spring.
Third-party device manufacturers can use ultra-broadband technology in Apple devices with U1 chipsets for a more accurate and direct understanding of the experience in your area.
VanMoof's S3 and X3 e-bikes, Belkin SOUNDFORM Freedom headphones, and Chipolo ONE Spot Finder are the first external accessories to be used with Find My.
The Find Me app on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Mac makes it easy to find a lost Apple device and keep in touch with friends and family while protecting user privacy.
Using the "Find My" application, you can locate the lost device on the map, play a sound to find and lock it through "lost mode", display a message with a contact number, as well as wipe the device remotely and prevent it from falling into the wrong hand.
Find My Network can extend this functionality by searching for lost devices (even if you cannot connect to the Internet).
The network contains hundreds of millions of Apple devices that use Bluetooth technology. These devices can detect missing nearby devices or objects and inform owners of their approximate location.
Since the entire process is encrypted and anonymous, no person (even Apple or a third-party manufacturer) can see the device's location or information.