With the launch of the iPhone 11 in 2019, Apple wanted to democratize precise geolocation thanks to the integration of the U1 chip. This technology uses ultra-wideband (the famous Ultra-Wideband), a standard connected with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Position objects with extreme precision.
UWB, which was formerly reserved for industrial use, has therefore made its way to the public through the iPhone 11 as well as the Apple Watch Series 6. And on Monday, October 12, 2020, respected leaker Jon Grosser has new information about this chip and its upcoming integrations.
It can also be used in the Find My app to alert you when you’re away from home, when any of your devices are moved into or taken from your home.
— Jon Prosser (@jon_prosser) 12 October 2020
Turn your Apple devices into HomeKit hardware
According to him, the next HomePod Mini and Apple TV will also be equipped with a U1 chip. Apple wants to make two of its devices a “UWB station”If you have other devices equipped with the U1 chip, in which case you have iPhone 11 or iPhone 12, it can accurately track your location.
Truth, user can enjoy new HomeKit features. Indeed, thanks to the use of UWB, the two devices will be able to find you ultra-precisely and create automations. For example, they can initialize your various speakers so that music follows you in every room. They can manage the lighting according to your movements in the house, and even automatically lock or unlock the front door when you approach or move away from the threshold.
Also, the leak explains that the HomePod Mini and Apple TV will also be available as part of the Find My iPhone app. Indeed, it will be possible Get a notification if one of your Apple devices equipped with the U1 chip suddenly moves or it is no longer detected in your home. Convenient to monitor your devices remotely. Other rumors also point to the integration of a U1 chip into AirPods Studio, Apple’s next wireless earbuds, which was recently delayed to 2021.
Source : MacRumors
