Exclusive: iOS 13's Hidden 'Items' Tab for 'Apple Tags' Revealed

[GadgetBen]

Come on Apple! Now that we all have our shiny new iPhone’s with UWB let’s get on with this release!

Dont think this needs a keynote.

 

[goobot]

I was wondering why they didn’t just announce these and then say they are coming at a later time like they usually do, but then I saw all the post that reminded me of AirPower and they are probably right. iOS 13 seems to be a potential iOS 11 so I guess Apple is just focusing on that right now.

 

[Karllake]

This is great news and gives me hope. There was speculation that this tech wasn’t going to be something you can attach to everyday items—just something built into all new Apple devices to help you find them.

i personally want both, Attaching a tag to a laptop doesn’t make sense, having a tag for keys or in a wallet is invaluable.

 

[the_color_orange]

Apple’s new feature will track Pennywise.

 

[kognos]

The actual realistic size, durability, longevity, and usability of the tags is what will make or break this product.

 

[borntrouble]

I am really curious about the prices...

 

[JustForward]

The apple tags likely won't be cheap and it might already postpone to adjust a more realistic price tag that won't cost $999

 

[DinkThifferent]

I wouldn't be surprised if Apple will release these on an event, together with an all new iMac. The design of the iMac will be inspired by the new cheese grater display unveiled with the mac pro.

 

[Bazooka-joe]

I wouldn't be surprised if Apple will release these on an event, together with an all new iMac. The design of the iMac will be inspired by the new cheese grater display unveiled with the mac pro.

Yep I reckon the October event if there is one will have the tags on the agenda

 

[PavelGubarev]

All of a sudden, the icons made all the way back to Windows XP

 

[mpainesyd]

I’ll attach these to my kids water bottles, lunch boxes, sweaters, hats and persons.

And the kids! (proximity alert for toddlers)

 

[Khedron]

Okay but why the heck does my watch not notify me when I leave my phone behind? This is the one feature I can’t believe is still missing after all these years.

Galaxy Watch does this. No special hardware needed, just vibrate and show an icon when the bluetooth connection is lost.

 

[DamoTheBrave]

No subscription and I’m in

 

[Jsameds]

"Hey Siri - Find Pennywise"

"OK, just follow the red balloon"

 

[Vjosullivan]

The actual realistic size, durability, longevity, and usability of the tags is what will make or break this product.

I think people are expecting too much from these tags. They only work if there’s an iPhone nearby that’s tracking tags. It‘s not like “find my phone” that can track down a connected phone over any distance.

OK for finding lost keys at home, not so good for finding your luggage that has gone astray.

 

[Khedron]

I think people are expecting too much from these tags. They only work if there’s an iPhone nearby that’s tracking tags. It‘s not like “find my phone” that can track down a connected phone over any distance.

OK for finding lost keys at home, not so good for finding your luggage that has gone astray.

The range is about 10 metres

 

[mrping]

Someone could be fired here for the leak..

 

[MorphMan]

October events are fairly common for Apple so there's not a major issue with delaying it a month if they have something more important to concentrate on

 

[manu chao]

I’m wondering what they were doing the whole year if they couldn’t finish iOS, one of their key products, in time.

They were adding features. iOS 13 contains quite a number of new features.

 

[Stanly.ok]

Something tells me two-way charging on iPhone 11 will be enabled to power up these tags, and at the time of their announcement.

 

[jermwhl]

I think people are expecting too much from these tags. They only work if there’s an iPhone nearby that’s tracking tags. It‘s not like “find my phone” that can track down a connected phone over any distance.

OK for finding lost keys at home, not so good for finding your luggage that has gone astray.

I thought Apple already addressed this. Aren’t all iPhones (I assume iOS 13 and above) going to act like relays to help with finding any “tag”? If that will be the case, iPhones are going to likely be in close proximity at some point. They discussed the secure, transparent relay (can’t remember specifically) at WWDC, right?

 

[Futurix]

Apple Balloons? 🎈🎈🎈

 

[JosephAW]

Which iPhone devices don't support ARKit? Will this require an iPhone X or greater?
Hopefully "Find My" will work through iCloud in Safari for older devices like iPhone 5-8.

 

[Googlyhead]

I was rather hoping that they would include the ability to 'track' existing devices by pinging their BT connection.
Of course; the UW protocol would provide far greater purpose-specific accuracy,
but an iOS implementation of the old BT version would instantly be far superior in user coverage to any of the Tile / TrackR / knock-offs that depend on user base and don't talk to each other. And take care of that issue of attaching a massive tag to each earpod or pencil.
There's a negative incentive for the Tile companies to track BT devices (as that doesn't sell hardware!), but not so for Apple.

 

[Mactendo]

They were adding features. iOS 13 contains quite a number of new features.

There was plenty of time to add features. Every iOS had new features.