Apple today unveiled the third iOS 14.5 beta to developers, following two other betas that brought some changes for iPhone and iPad users. With today’s beta release, the company has activated the new ‘Items’ tab in the Find My app, which allows users to track down the rumored AirTags and third-party accessories.
9to5Mac reported in November last year that Apple was starting to add support for AirTags and other tracking devices with iOS 14.3, based on internal code found in the system. Users then discovered that there was a way to enable the new Items tab in the Find My app, which had been hidden so far.
With iOS 14.5 beta 3, however, the new Items tab is enabled by default in the Find My app, indicating that Apple is finally launching its Find My network to allow users to track objects using smart tags – including Apple’s own AirTags . The change was noticed by the user @IceCoolTech on Twitter (via MacRumors).
When Find Me first opens in iOS 14.5, users will see a new welcome screen showing what’s new in the app. These include support for tracking accessories, enhanced notifications and the Find My network. By tapping on the Items tab, users can add a new accessory to the Find My app or identify an item you found.
In addition to AirTags, Apple announced at WWDC 2020 that third-party tracking devices can be integrated into the Find My app with iOS 14. This means that companies like Tile can make their labels work with the Find My network, which contains offline detection, just like Apple devices. Some of the Beats headphones are also compatible with the Find My app.
Recent rumors have suggested that Apple will launch AirTags in March, so it makes sense for Apple to make the latest adjustments in iOS 14.5 to make it compatible with this new accessory.
Also read:
FTC: We use revenue to earn automatically affiliate links. More.
Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news: