The features of Apple's AirTags are hidden in plain sight - here's why

The features of Apple's AirTags are hidden in plain sight - here's why

There has been much speculation about AirTags, Apple's upcoming tracking device that will allow users to locate lost items. However, it appears that AirTags have been hidden all along.

MacRumors reader David Chu discovered a hidden "Items" tab in Apple's Find My app, further proof that AirTags are almost ready to go, and that the app will be available in the future.

The tab can be activated by typing "findmy://items" into Safari on a device running iOS 14.3, iPadOS 14.3, or later. When you do so, you will see a prompt that directs you to a hidden tab within the existing "find my" app; Mac users can do the same with their version of the app as long as they are running macOS 11.1 or later.

Apple developers can also access this tab by heading to Settings > Developer > Display Items tab. Again, this will only be visible with iOS 14.3 or later.

Despite the many rumors and speculation, Apple has yet to officially reveal anything about Air Tags. Of course, leaked information has already indicated that it will use an ultra-wideband signal rather than Bluetooth to communicate with the iPhone.

The AirTags themselves appear to be small, rounded designs similar to Tile stickers. From the images, it appears that they will be attached to the object they are intended to track, but they can also be attached internally; AirTags themselves do not have any sort of hole to clip onto a key, but the patent images suggest that there are accessories that can be purchased to make this possible.

Of course, the "Items" tab is not just for AirTags; integration with Apple's tracker will be a big part of the future of the "Find My" app, and Apple announced at WWC 2020 that it will also support third-party products . And earlier this week, we saw the Belkin Soundform Earbuds make good on that promise and include support for the Find My app.

These will be available in the spring, giving us a rough idea of when the new item tab should be open for business.

As for AirTags themselves, there are no clues as to when Apple will bring them to the world. We have known about AirTags since last April, when Apple accidentally mentioned them in a video. Therefore, we do not know when it will appear.

The next Apple announcement we know of involves the next wave of iPad Pros, which is supposed to happen in March; AirTags could appear then, and with the Belkin Soundform launch date and Find My app expansion (we think) would tie in nicely. Or perhaps that is wishful thinking.

We will report on AirTags as information becomes available.

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