iOS 14.3 beta offers 'AirTags' setup, operation information

Apple's first iOS 14.3 beta, which was briefly released Thursday, contains more evidence that the company is still developing "AirTags."

Code strings and other data that reference the Bluetooth and Ultra Wideband tracking accessory have been found in a slew of previous betas. The new evidence in iOS 14.3 just confirms that Apple is still working on the device for a possible near-future release.

According to 9to5Mac, which was able to download the beta, there are new videos and images meant to guide users through an initial "AirTags" setup process. There is also a new hidden section in the Find My app to accommodate both "AirTags" and third-party tracking devices like Tile.

Other code strings suggest that "AirTags" will be tied to a user's Apple ID, suggesting some sort of security mechanism preventing them from being used by another person if lost. Apple may also provide a way for users to scan a found "AirTag" to discover who it belongs to.

Steve Moser at MacRumors discovered a number of code strings that shed light on iOS 14's Find My network accessory initiative. Users can keep close tabs on object trackers like Tile with new iOS 14.3 notifications and Find My app alerts.

In addition to the new "AirTags" evidence, the first iOS 14.3 beta also includes the potential design for "AirPods Studio," new third-party app suggestions during initial setup, and the ProRAW format.

8 Comments

JWSC 1203 comments · 7 Years

About 4 years ago

AppleInsider said:
...
Other code strings suggest that "AirTags" will be tied to a user's Apple ID, suggesting some sort of security mechanism preventing them from being used by another person if lost. Apple may also provide a way for users to scan a found "AirTag" to discover who it belongs to.

Steve Moser at MacRumors discovered a number of code strings that shed light on iOS 14's Find My network accessory initiative. Users can keep close tabs on object trackers like Tile with new iOS 14.3 notifications and Find My app alerts.
...

The disconcerting thing about AirTags is that others might be able to use them to track you or your personal equipment (vehicles, bikes, etc.) without you knowing. Being able to detect and discover any nearby AirTag might mitigate this somewhat. But the potential for surveillance misuse looms.

Japhey 1772 comments · 6 Years

About 4 years ago

What are the chances that these and the AirPods Studio get released via press release? I mean, do they REALLY need an event in order to be launched? AirPods Pro, iPhone SE, and iPad Pro were all released this way in just the last 12 months, and they are all arguably more major releases.

cornchip 1943 comments · 11 Years

About 4 years ago

JWSC said:

Being able to detect and discover any nearby AirTag might mitigate this somewhat.

How would that not mitigate surveillance completely?

chadney 3 comments · 4 Years

About 4 years ago

Japhey said:

What are the chances that these and the AirPods Studio get released via press release? I mean, do they REALLY need an event in order to be launched? AirPods Pro, iPhone SE, and iPad Pro were all released this way in just the last 12 months, and they are all arguably more major releases.

Couldn’t have said it better myself. I’ve never seen so much interest over a non-interesting item. It’s an established market, it won’t be widely adopted, its gimmicky...it will fair just fine with a quiet press release.

Beats 3073 comments · 4 Years

About 4 years ago

They could have excited us with these and new audio last event. Would have made it less underwhelming.

chadney said:

Japhey said:

What are the chances that these and the AirPods Studio get released via press release? I mean, do they REALLY need an event in order to be launched? AirPods Pro, iPhone SE, and iPad Pro were all released this way in just the last 12 months, and they are all arguably more major releases.

Couldn’t have said it better myself. I’ve never seen so much interest over a non-interesting item. It’s an established market, it won’t be widely adopted, its gimmicky...it will fair just fine with a quiet press release.

People said this about iPhone. Ridiculous. Apple doesn't ship junk.