Apple launches an app for enterprises to test devices that work with Apple's Find My network, ahead of its expected launch of its own new AirTags accessory
The timing matters because an AirTags launch was widely expected imminently — rumors of a Tile-like tracker date back to 2019 — so Apple is simultaneously opening its network to rivals' hardware and preparing to compete with them directly with its own tag.
First-order effects
Belkin, Chipolo, and VanMoof gain a formal pre-launch validation path, meaning their Find My-compatible products can ship with Apple-certified behavior the moment AirTags arrive.
Second-order effects
When AirTag lands, standalone trackers like Chipolo must decide whether joining Find My cannibalizes their own networks or beats being locked out — while Apple sets the reference price point they have to meet.
Third-order effects
Opening Find My to third parties converts Apple's crowd-sourced device network into a de facto industry standard, which also obligates Apple to police misuse — a role it later took up with Tracker Detect scanning on Android.
The trend: Item tracking is consolidating around Apple's Find My network as a platform standard, with third-party makers certifying into it even as Apple competes against them with AirTags.
It would be such a welcome change if Apple is inviting Tile to participate alongside AirTags in ‘Find My’ instead of delivering a serious blow to their business. https://twitter.com/...
The use case for Apple AirTags will extend past the consumer market and on to the corporate market. We will see them show up in interesting places with the possibilities of compatibility to Android devices to assure wide corporate adoption. https://twitter.com/...
iOS 15 should also add but hide the animations and fully support AirTags if we don't see this come to iOS 14 first Would be hidden mainly in Find My. Support technically exists on a barebones level now, but full animations and AR tracking is 15 from what I'm told
So you ask Siri “where did I leave my luggage bag” and it opens apple maps and directs you? Or you ask Siri to send your luggage location to someone else over iMessage. Basically, how to get “things” into conversations from my point of view hT @BrianRoemmele https://twitter.com/.…