iOS 15 will allow users to link their AirPods (all models) to the Find My Network and locate them using Bluetooth. Find My Network was introduced just before AirTags were launched and helps users find their devices through Apple’s network of devices. This includes Apple’s own products as well as third-party accessories.
AirPods Pro and AirPods Max will gain support for Find My Network and Precision Finding with iOS 15
As found by 9to5Mac in iOS 15’s internal code, AirPods will be tied to the user’s Apple ID once added to the Find My app. This will allow them to locate them on a map in the Find My app but also be alerted when they are lost. Users will even be able to find them if someone finds them and pairs them to another device. AirPods Pro and AirPods Max will also support Precision Finding.
The pairing part is important as this update does not block AirPods from being paired with another device. This feature, also known as an activation lock on iOS devices, ties the device to the user’s Apple ID, and renders them useless unless the original owner erases it or removes it from his devices list. AirPods are easy to reset and pair with another device though.
iOS 15 beta 5 also has new animations that show how to remove AirPods from the Find My Network. AirPods Max would be removed simply by holding the Digital Crown for 12 seconds, while AirPods Pro will require users to hold their fingers on the speaker holes while pressing the stems multiple times. First-generation and second-generation AirPods will not support Find My Network linking or Precision Finding features.
It is possible that Apple will release firmware updates for AirPods Pro and AirPods Max to enable these features once iOS 15 drops. So far, the beta firmware for AirPods Pro does not support this feature.
Read more:
- How to turn off Find My network on iPhone
- Find My can track devices that are turned off or erased with iOS 15
- Find My Separation Alerts in iOS 15 will inform you if you leave an Apple device behind
- Find My can track devices that are turned off or erased with iOS 15, here are all the iPhones that support the feature
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