Apple today released the third iOS 14.5 beta for developers, following two other betas that brought some interesting changes for iPhone and iPad users. With today’s beta launch, the company has enabled the new “Items” tab in the Find My app, which will allow users to track rumors of AirTags and third-party accessories.
9to5Mac reported in November last year that Apple started adding support for AirTags and other tracking accessories with iOS 14.3 based on the internal code found on the system. Subsequently, users discovered that there is a way to enable the new Items tab in the Find My application, which has been hidden until now.
However, with iOS 14.5 beta 3, the new Items tab is enabled by default in the Find My app, suggesting that Apple is finally close to launching its Find My network to allow users to track objects using smart tags – including Apple’s own AirTags. The change was perceived by the user @IceCoolTech on Twitter (via MacRumors)
When opening Find My for the first time on iOS 14.5, users will see a new welcome screen showing what’s new in the app. This includes support for tracking accessories, enhanced notifications and Find My network. By tapping the Items tab, users can add a new accessory to the Find My app or identify a found item that does not belong to them.
In addition to AirTags, Apple announced at WWDC 2020 that third-party tracking accessories can be integrated into the Find My app with iOS 14. This means that companies like Tile can make their tags work with the Find My network, which features offline tracking as Apple devices. Some of the Beats headphones will also be compatible with the Find My app.
Recent rumors have suggested that Apple will launch AirTags in March, so it makes sense that Apple is making the final adjustments to iOS 14.5 to make it compatible with this new accessory.
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