Apple Again Seeks FCC Approval for Mysterious 'Wireless Device' With Bluetooth and NFC

[MacRumors]

For all of its devices that use communications technologies like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and NFC, Apple has to submit them to the United States Federal Communications Commission for approval, and the filings, though restricted, occasionally give hints as to what Apple is working on.

In early January, Apple sought approval for an unnamed "Wireless Device" that features support for NFC and Bluetooth. With a model number of A1846, the device appears to be an iteration of a similar Wireless Device that was submitted for regulatory approval back in September. That device shared the same design but had a model number of A1844.

The A1846 model number is not similar to existing Apple products, unveiling no information. There are no photos of the device itself, but a regulatory label that was on the original A1844 device pictured pointed towards slightly curved edges and two included torx screws. Apple appears to have updated the imagery in the second A1846 submission to give fewer hints on its design.

When the original "Wireless Device" was uncovered, there was some speculation that it could perhaps be a new Apple TV, but given the design of the product and the prominent FCC labeling, it's much more likely that this is a behind-the-scenes object that will not see a public release.

Regulatory information is etched directly on the back plate of the device along with a wiring guide, details that are not included on consumer-facing products.

It's possible that the device in question is something that's used in retail Apple stores, such as a product display unit or iBeacon-based equipment used to communicate with customer iOS devices.

Given Apple's secrecy and its request for the FCC to keep all images, descriptions, diagrams, and antenna locations for the device hidden from the public, we won't know more about the device until it's released, and if it is indeed a non-consumer-facing product as we suspect, we may never figure out what it is.

Article Link: Apple Again Seeks FCC Approval for Mysterious 'Wireless Device' With Bluetooth and NFC

 

[TwoBytes]

I hope it's fitness band

 

[farewelwilliams]

"doubling down on secrecy"

 

[Menopause]

Probably product display unit / iBeacon equipment. Perfect.

I used to be a hardcore fanboy excited for and by Apple, but Tim Cook's tenure has slowly murdered that part of me.

 

[Deuce on the Clock]

Apple wireless products were the best. Sad they discontinued them. Hopefully they're making an all in one hub that includes AppleTV as well.

 

[keysofanxiety]

"doubling down on secrecy"

For all of its devices that use communications technologies like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and NFC, Apple has to submit them to the United States Federal Communications Commission for approval, and the filings, though restricted, occasionally give hints as to what Apple is working on.

 

[duffman9000]

Dang it I just bought an nvidia shield tv lol. I like it but don't love it.

 

[AllieNeko]

RS-485 is long range multi-device serial. Home automation, alarms, lighting, A/V control, etc.

Cresnet (Creation automation) and DMX512 (theatrical lighting) are two RS-485 implementations. Hmmm...

 

[kaneda]

Wireless router??

 

[Fender2112]

Im going with a wireless charger.

 

[AppleMad98004]

Wireless charger or Amazon Alexa like device???

 

[farewelwilliams]

↑
"doubling down on secrecy"
↑
For all of its devices that use communications technologies like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and NFC, Apple has to submit them to the United States Federal Communications Commission for approval, and the filings, though restricted, occasionally give hints as to what Apple is working on.

steve jobs announced the original iphone before he filed for approval

 

[ryansimmons323]

Well, after 180 days, the short term confidentiality on external images and the manual will be lifted - so whatever Apple does with this, the FCC will release images of the one from September some time around March.

 

[Tarlbot]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RS-485​

it's got power, slow speed/long range serial communication, and Bluetooth and Wifi.

Home Hub?

 

[keysofanxiety]

steve jobs announced the original iphone before he filed for approval

Apple had to introduce the iPhone several months early due to FCC permits. If it was up to Jobs, they'd have introduced and released it in June.

 

[tkukoc]

Going with beacon tech that was rumored a while back to be part of the concert scene to not allow photos/recordings.

 

[Michael Goff]

"doubling down on secrecy"

Apple doesn't control the FTC.
[doublepost=1485206713][/doublepost]

steve jobs announced the original iphone before he filed for approval

Why do you think the announcement was in January?

 

[diddl14]

Thermostat

http://www.smarthome.com/rs-485-thermostat.html

 

[longofest]

As was previously discussed during the last thread, this is either something that is going to be purely internal, or apple is prepping an apple-pay terminal for use with third party point of sale systems.

 

[Michaelgtrusa]

We can hope it's something great.

 

[Lepton]

Long distance charger was my first thought, but such a thing would use a lot more power. So now I think it is an Alexa type of device, which I think would be cool.

 

[chiefsilverback]

Surely an consumer level iBeacon type device must be in the works? As smart devices become more common a device's ability to know where it is within the home becomes more important. It would be nice to just say "turn the lights on" and your device knows which room you're in...

 

[longofest]

Thermostat

http://www.smarthome.com/rs-485-thermostat.html

As previously mentioned on the old thread, this is highly unlikely. the input voltage maxes at 13.2V. Typical thermostat voltage is 24V AC.

 

[konqerror]

Door lock. Reason for the UL listing, required for insurance and fire code purposes. As far as I know, there's no UL listing for low-voltage thermostats.

 

[Glideslope]

iBrush. Parents will be able to monitor their children brushing their teeth live via Wi-fi.