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iOS 16 Introduces New Capabilities for Accessories With U1 Chip Integration

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As part of WWDC last month, Apple announced that iOS 16 will allow third-party accessories with U1 chip integration to interact with iPhone apps even when the app is running in the background, enabling new "hands-free user experiences."

precision-finding-airtag-design-session.jpeg

In a press release today, chipmaker Qorvo said this new functionality will allow U1-enabled accessories to work in tandem with iOS 16 apps to trigger real-time actions based on your precise location, such as turning on lights or playing music when you enter a room, even if you aren't actively using the apps at the time.

Qorvo also announced that its Ultra Wideband chips are now certified by Apple's MFi Program, which should pave the way for MFi-certified U1-enabled accessories from third-party brands. Accessory makers can use Qorvo's chips to create accessories that are compatible with U1-equipped iPhone and Apple Watch models.

Apple's own accessories also offer precise, directionally-aware experiences. For example, users can hold a U1-equipped iPhone near a HomePod mini to "hand off" music playback, complete with visual, audible, and haptic effects. U1-enabled iPhones can also take advantage of the Precision Finding feature that makes it easier to locate an AirTag.

Built into iPhone 11 models and newer, Apple Watch Series 6 models and newer, the HomePod mini, and the AirTag, Apple's U1 chip uses Ultra Wideband technology for ultra-precise spatial awareness within close distances.

More details are available on the Nearby Interactions with U1 page on Apple's developer website.

Article Link: iOS 16 Introduces New Capabilities for Accessories With U1 Chip Integration
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2022/07/20/ios-16-expands-u1-enabled-accessories/
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In a press release today, chipmaker Qorvo said this new functionality will allow U1-enabled accessories to work in tandem with iOS 16 apps to trigger real-time actions based on your precise location

I plan to configure my refrigerator to lock its doors when it senses me walking into the kitchen for ice cream at 2AM.
 
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BootsWalking said:
In a press release today, chipmaker Qorvo said this new functionality will allow U1-enabled accessories to work in tandem with iOS 16 apps to trigger real-time actions based on your precise location

I plan to configure my refrigerator to lock its doors when it senses me walking into the kitchen for ice cream at 2AM.
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You can program your HomePod to play alarm sounds.
 
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This is always welcomed. Although personally, I've had less than satisfactory experience locating my car airtag in a garage, but w/e.
 
This is pretty cool- I’d love to trigger my upstairs lights to turn on when I start walking up.

Currently I use a motion sensor from Hue, though my cats constantly turn them on all night as they run up and down the steps.

This would definitely alleviate that issue for me lol.
 
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JohnApples said:
This is pretty cool- I’d love to trigger my upstairs lights to turn on when I start walking up.

Currently I use a motion sensor from Hue, though my cats constantly turn them on all night as they run up and down the steps.

This would definitely alleviate that issue for me lol.
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You could try covering up the lower part of the hue sensor with some opaque (to infrared) tape so that it cuts off the sensing range at cat-height.
 
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matttarantino said:
If you had a U1 homekit device and were nearby, it would be super neat if the Home app would show you that room's accessories ahead of others, given that you are likely looking to turn on/off something in that room.
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I want to see this all done automatically. For example, if you had HomePod minis in every room, lights could turn on and off as you go from room to room, and even things like the heating could follow you as well. I think this is the kind of thing the smarthome was made for
 
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Eventually will lead to those dystopian ads that call out to you specifically as you walk by.

Also didn't know newer Apple Watches have U1, that's pretty cool.
 
That's the kind of obvious thing that Apple should have brought to HomeKit on their own.

I mean they have the U1 chip, they have the HomePods, they have wearable devices. I don't get why they still haven't made use of it for automation. It's an area where Amazon can't compete.
 
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Does anyone know of a list somewhere of useful things the U1 chip does?
 
glad the U1 will be able to come to 3rd party accessory makers. been wanting a card sized "Find My" device but all of them have lacked UWB.
 
Can we maybe use this for an iPhone to find another iPhone? For example the people on in my iCloud family should be able to help me find my iPhone if its lost with this extra precision. Also it would be cool to share AirTags with Family members so we can both find the remote or the dog or the missing child.... just an idea.
 
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Very cool.

And of course, in some Facebook office, teams are trying to figure out how to abuse this and further violate our privacy. So glad Apple sees Facebook for what they are. You too Google and Amazon.
 
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