Find My and Ultra Wideband

Enhanced by a new chip, Ultra Wideband enables precision location

- Phil King

Ultra-wideband (UWB) technology and Apple's Find My ecosystem have come a long way since their initial introduction. UWB has become a key part of Apple's tracking and location services, extending its presence across various devices, including the Apple Watch, HomePod, and iPhone.

Over the years, Apple has refined its implementation of UWB, adding new capabilities and expanding its functionality. The latest iOS 18.2 update represents another leap forward, enabling you to enlist family and friends in finding lost items, enhancing the collaborative potential of the Find My network.

The new U2 chip, introduced in 2023 with the iPhone 15 series and Apple Watch Series 9, marks a significant upgrade over the U1 chip that debuted in the iPhone 11. This UWB-enabled chip offers improved location precision and an extended range, making it even easier to track and locate devices or items.

The U2 chip is now integrated across Apple's latest line-up, including the HomePod (2nd generation). In addition, Apple is set to release a second-gen AirTag in 2025, which is expected to feature the U2. This AirTag is anticipated to provide enhanced tracking capabilities and further integrate into Apple's growing Ultra Wideband ecosystem.

We'll delve into how UWB works, look into its unique technical advantages that make it indispensable for location tracking. We'll explore its key role in Precision Finding and its integration into features like Check In to aid personal safety. We'll also examine how the new U2 chip elevates UWB performance to new heights, offering unparalleled precision and range, and setting the stage for future innovations.

UWB explained
Ultra-wideband (UWB) is a wireless communication protocol that uses short-range radio waves to transmit data. Unlike Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, UWB operates over a wide frequency range with low power, making it ideal for precise location tracking.