Universal Scientific Industrial, based in Shanghai, will begin supplying the system-in-package (SiP) for Apple’s upcoming ultra wideband “AirTags” in the second to third quarter of 2020, with shipments to reach tens of millions of units by the end of the year, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
In a research note with TF International Securities, obtained by MacRumors, Kuo said Universal Scientific Industrial will be the primary supplier of the system-in-package for the tags, fulfilling around 60 percent of orders. Similar to the one inside AirPods, the system-in-package would be a densely packed circuit board, and it would likely include the Apple-designed U1 chip for Ultra Wideband support…
MacRumors uncovered evidence of Apple working on Tile-like item trackers in iOS 13 code last year, including an unreleased “Items” tab in the Find My app and a potential “AirTag” name for the small, circular tags.
Users would receive a notification when they are separated from a tagged item and, if necessary, they would be able to tap a button in the Find My app that would result in Apple’s tag chiming. It would also be possible to disable notifications for “safe locations” such as a home or workplace.
MacDailyNews Take: Something like AirTags likely warrants a slot in a keynote more than a press release launch, as it’s a new product that will require a decent amount of exposition. So, perhaps we’ll finally see Apple’s AirTags during a March event along with the much-rumored low-cost iPhone or even during WWDC 20202 keynote in June?
I’d completely forgotten about these. Which is expected for vaporware. Another hobby?
Mistakenly drop your wallet inside a room in an office building. You walk outside and realize you don’t have your wallet. Fortunately, it has an air tag with it How small and thin is the tag?
What is the range? The value of finding it seems less important than being notified that you walked away from it.
If it buzzes your phone that you are out of range and likely left it behind seems worthwhile having.
If it is largely the same as what you get with the bluetooth tags I’m not sure of its value. I’m hoping Apple comes up with some cool applications beyond the bluetooth tags.