Safari Allows Users to Enable Hidden 'Items' Tab in 'Find My' App Ahead of AirTags Launch

[MacRumors]

As seen in screenshots obtained by MacRumors in 2019, Apple's long-rumored AirTags items trackers are expected to be managed through the Find My app on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Now, any user can get an early look at this tab.

MacRumors reader David Chu today alerted us that the hidden "Items" tab in the Find My app can be enabled on an iPhone or iPad by typing in the link findmy://items in Safari on devices running iOS 14.3 or iPadOS 14.3 or later. After entering the URL, a prompt appears that directs users to the hidden tab in the Find My app.

Users can also enter the URL in Safari on macOS 11.1 and view the hidden "Items" text in the Find My app on a Mac.

While the URL is more convenient and works for anyone, registered Apple developers can also enable the "Items" tab on an iPhone under Settings > Developer > Display Items Tab. This toggle appears on iOS 14.3 and later.

Similar to Tile, AirTags are expected to help users keep track of their personal belongings, such as their keys, wallets, and backpacks, with users receiving a push notification on their Apple devices when they are separated from a tagged item. AirTags are expected to support Ultra Wideband for improved location accuracy, with helpful augmented reality functionality through the Find My app for locating misplaced items.

At WWDC 2020, Apple announced that the Find My app will also support finding third-party products and accessories, and the hidden "Items" tab is expected to be used for this too. Earlier this week, Belkin unveiled new Soundform wireless earphones with Find My compatibility that are set to launch in March or April.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1349341217268576259

Apple accidentally referenced AirTags in a YouTube video last April, so we know this accessory is the real deal, but an exact release date still remains up in the air. Apple typically holds its first event of a year in March, but with in-person events not being hosted any time soon, a virtual event or press release is possible at any time.


Article Link: Safari Allows Users to Enable Hidden 'Items' Tab in 'Find My' App Ahead of AirTags Launch

 

[BeefCake 15]

Every time I see a find like this, I picture a software engineer getting yelled at

 

[MacHiavelli]

Works on Macs as well.

 

[omglolbbq]

Every time I see a find like this, I picture a software engineer getting yelled at

Yep. Not something you’d accidentally type as a URL! Good find!

 

[bacaramac]

Looking forward to this. I haven’t been following closely, but do these allow tracking anywhere across the world by using other iPhone devices to locate. I thought I remember some company offering that or was going to offer it. That would be ideal to hide these on important property like cars, RZRs etc and be able to find it like LoJack.

 

[famanoran]

Big Sur 11.1 too.

 

[AppleTO]

Works for me, but there isn’t an “Items” tab. It’s under the “Me” tab.

 

[iapplelove]

So these are finally coming?

 

[ummario]

"but an exact release date still remains up in the air" - And that's why is called... Air Tag

 

[Bonte]

I hope they charge by movement, that would make them last for years without the need for regular recharging.

 

[JosephAW]

Maybe they should have called it vapor ware tags.

I should walking into the apple store and run the searching scan.

 

[DogHouseDub]

It says “instructions provided by your manufacturer” - so 3rd party integration?

 

[BootsWalking]

Airtags release is like this:

 

[19callum93]

AirTags: The worst kept secret ??

 

[DogHouseDub]

Find My network - Apple Developer

Introducing a new program that will let customers locate your products using the power of the vast Find My network.

developer.apple.com

 

[The Game 161]

just get on with it and release them...god knows what they are waiting for

these have been rumoured for a Long time meanwhile samsung will announce theirs tomorrow for gods sake

 

[applefanboysince93]

just get on with it and release them...god knows what they are waiting for

these have been rumoured for a Long time meanwhile samsung will announce theirs tomorrow for gods sake

I wouldn’t be surprised if this is what’s getting announced today on CBS This Morning or whatever morning show that was referenced yesterday stating that Tim Cook was coming on the show to make a big announcement?!

 

[applefanboysince93]

Nevermind it’s probably that racial equity initiative that he’s going to talk about on This Morning!

 

[DogHouseDub]

Is the word Airtags mentioned there? It appears to be part of the 3rd party integration offered as a dev preview mid 2020.

Find My network - Apple Developer

Introducing a new program that will let customers locate your products using the power of the vast Find My network.

developer.apple.com

 

[contacos]

From the wording, at least on the German interface, it sounds more like a feature that can be enabled for 3rd parties? Maybe they gave up on their own cuz they couldn’t get it right

 

[iSRS]

Is the word Airtags mentioned there? It appears to be part of the 3rd party integration offered as a dev preview mid 2020.

Find My network - Apple Developer

Introducing a new program that will let customers locate your products using the power of the vast Find My network.

developer.apple.com

View attachment 1711984

I notice typing airtags give the red spelling underline, as does AirTahs, but not AirTags on iOS. So....

From the wording, at least on the German interface, it sounds more like a feature that can be enabled for 3rd parties? Maybe they gave up on their own cuz they couldn’t get it right

I think it’s both. Enabling 3rd parties is likely to prevent any regulators getting engaged.

 

[Solver]

I want to take one of these airtags and tape it to my Apple TV remote.

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

I agree with him less and less by the day, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Prosser is right here, and the reason we haven’t seen these is because, even though they’ve been done for months, apple doesn’t wanna release “trackers for lost items” when millions and millions of people are literally stuck in their houses.
It would’ve been just like the original Apple TV launch, wrong place, wrong time.

 

[drew.bowser]

I agree with him less and less by the day, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Prosser is right here, and the reason we haven’t seen these is because, even though they’ve been done for months, apple doesn’t wanna release “trackers for lost items” when millions and millions of people are literally stuck in their houses.
It would’ve been just like the original Apple TV launch, wrong place, wrong time.

And im here just wanting them to find my car keys and Apple TV remote... In my house.

 

[PsykX]

This is perhaps the most-leaked Apple product of all time.
At this point, they should just announce it and release it in a few weeks if it's not 100% ready.