Apple has recently unveiled a new application called “Find My Certification Assistant.” This app caters to third-party accessory developers with MFi (Made for iPhone) licenses, allowing them to test the compatibility of their accessories with Apple’s Find My network. Currently, the Find My network is employed by the Find My app to locate misplaced Apple devices such as iPhones, AirPods, and Macs. However, it will soon support a range of compatible third-party accessories. This development is highly anticipated.
The release of this testing app implies that Apple is prepared to announce the launch of a program for third-party devices in the near future.
The application explains that MFi licensees can utilize Find My Certification Assistant to evaluate “detection, connectivity, and other essential requirements” for accessories that integrate Apple’s Find My network technology. It also provides information about the Find My network certification program, which is featured on Apple’s MFi portal (mfi.apple.com). The portal presently states that Find My Network is “launching soon” as a technology for the MFi program.
Based on the screenshots of this new app, device manufacturers appear to be able to conduct various tests in areas such as connectivity, sound (for example, generating a sound when an item is misplaced), firmware, key management, NFC, and power supply.
According to Sensor Tower data, the app was made available to the public on the iOS App Store on April 4th. Since it is a new application, it has not yet been ranked in any category of the App Store (including “development tools”). Additionally, there are currently no ratings or reviews.
The release of this app marks the initial step toward the significant objective of granting access to Apple’s Find My network for third-party entities. Apple itself has plans to introduce a new accessory known as AirTags.
During the 2020 Worldwide Developer Conference, Apple first announced its intention to open up the Find My network to third-party devices, partly due to pressure from US and European regulators. Regulators worldwide may be attempting to provide Apple an advantage over AirTags, which serves as a competitor to Tile’s tracking device (among others). This is currently under investigation.
Tile, a company that has voiced criticism of Apple, claims that AirTags can leverage Apple’s U1 chip and utilize UWB (ultra-wideband) technology for more precise tracking. In a US Congressional hearing, it was also pointed out that AirTags are compatible with Apple’s own “Find My” app, which comes pre-installed on Apple devices. Tile argues that this situation gives Apple an unfair advantage in the market for tracking devices, a market that Tile has established and dominated over the years.
In response, Apple has granted third-party developers access to the U1 chip through the “Nearby Interaction” framework introduced in 2020. Consequently, Tile announced plans in January 2021 to launch a new tracker utilizing UWB technology.
Related article: Tile is preparing an ultra-wideband tracker that simplifies the process of locating lost items in augmented reality.
Furthermore, Apple recently updated its Find My app with a new tab called “Items.” This change is in preparation for expanding the app’s support to encompass third-party accessories like AirTags and Tile. This “Items” tab is activated in the latest Apple iOS 14.5 beta version and is described as a feature that allows users to “locate their everyday essentials,” including “accessories that support tracking.”
However, it is important to note that participating in Apple’s Find My program necessitates third-party device manufacturers to abandon their existing applications and compel customers to use Apple’s “Find My” app instead. As a result, Tile (alongside other companies) perceives Apple’s concessions as detrimental to their business, as they would have to relinquish both their customers and their data to Apple.
It is also worth mentioning that upon launching the app, users are greeted with icons representing three items: headphones, a backpack, and a suitcase. Interestingly, Tile was initially integrated with Bose headphones, as well as bag manufacturers like Away and Herschel.
Apple has sought feedback regarding the release of this new app, but has not yet received a response.
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