Chipolo announces ONE Spot tracking tag with Find My support

Credit: Chipolo

Apple on Wednesday debuted a new Find My network feature that allows third-party devices to be tracked through the app on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Some of the first companies to take advantage of the feature include Belkin, VanMoof, and Chipolo.

The Chipolo ONE Spot is a small, round tracking tag that can be attached with various personal belongings. The company says that it's both lightweight and water-resistant, and it sports a replaceable battery rated to last up to 12 months.

Once attached to an item, Apple users will be able to add the Chipolo ONE Spot to the Items tab on the Find My app. The tracking device will be discoverable on a map with the last known location if it's out of range. Users will also be able to play a sound or put the device into Lost Mode if it's missing or misplaced.

If a user switches the Chipolo tag into Lost Mode, they'll be able to locate the device using the Find My network that allows offline tracking via millions of iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices. Should another person find the Chipolo ONE Spot, they'll be able to identify and contact the owner. The device, like all accessories on the Find My network, will use encryption to protect user privacy and security.

"We are extremely excited to announce the Find My-enabled Chipolo ONE Spot, which enables users to find more than just misplaced items and offers a solution for those which are truly lost — all while maintaining privacy using advanced encryption so user data and information is protected. This introduces a new level of peace of mind when it comes to keeping your valuables safe and accounted for," said Primoz Zelensek, Chipolo's CEO.

While the Find My app is now open to third-party manufacturers like Chipolo, Apple is rumored to be working on its own first-party "AirTags" trackers. "AirTags," compared to other products on the market, will feature Ultra Wideband support for more precise locating and deep integration with Apple's ARKit.

The Chipolo ONE Spot will require iOS 14.3, iPadOS 14.3, and macOS Big Sur 11.1 or later. It'll become available to pre-order in May before launching in June. Interested users can join the waitlist for more information and pre-order access.