iOS 13 Beta Contains References to Apple’s Tile-Like Device for Tracking Personal Items

Apple is developing a Tile-like device to track a user’s personal items through the new “Find My” app.

9to5Mac

According to a new report from 9to5Mac, the first beta of iOS 13 — announced yesterday at WWDC — includes an asset package for a device with the product type “Tag1,1.” This asset package is used by Apple for pairing devices by proximity, much like the AirPods can be connected to a user’s iOS device.

The product is known only as “B389” by the people involved in its development.

The asset package also contained a glimpse of what the device might look like. While it’s likely a mockup used for testing, it apparently matches the description of the device, according to people familiar with the matter.

The tag will reportedly be synced to your account through iCloud. Once you attach it to an item and set it up, it will notify you through the new app, in case you get too far away from the item.

It will also hold your contact information, so when another Apple user finds this tag, they can scan it, and inform you; you’ll also get a notification via the app. This product can be extremely useful if you often leave behind your car keys or wallet.

You will also seemingly be able to define “ignored locations” — like home or office — where the app won’t notify you, even if you leave the item with the tag behind. You will also be able to share the location of the tag, so your friends or family can keep track of the item as well.

Apple could potentially unveil the device this September alongside this year’s iPhone models.