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iOS 16 Introduces New Capabilities for Accessories With U1 Chip Integration

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As part of WWDC last month, Apple announced that iOS 16 will allow third-party accessories with U1 chip integration to interact with iPhone apps even when the app is running in the background, enabling new "hands-free user experiences."

precision finding airtag design session
In a press release today, chipmaker Qorvo said this new functionality will allow U1-enabled accessories to work in tandem with iOS 16 apps to trigger real-time actions based on your precise location, such as turning on lights or playing music when you enter a room, even if you aren't actively using the apps at the time.

Qorvo also announced that its Ultra Wideband chips are now certified by Apple's MFi Program, which should pave the way for MFi-certified U1-enabled accessories from third-party brands. Accessory makers can use Qorvo's chips to create accessories that are compatible with U1-equipped iPhone and Apple Watch models.

Apple's own accessories also offer precise, directionally-aware experiences. For example, users can hold a U1-equipped iPhone near a HomePod mini to "hand off" music playback, complete with visual, audible, and haptic effects. U1-enabled iPhones can also take advantage of the Precision Finding feature that makes it easier to locate an AirTag.

Built into iPhone 11 models and newer, Apple Watch Series 6 models and newer, the HomePod mini, and the AirTag, Apple's U1 chip uses Ultra Wideband technology for ultra-precise spatial awareness within close distances.

More details are available on the Nearby Interactions with U1 page on Apple's developer website.

Tag: U1 Chip
Related Forum: iOS 16

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Top Rated Comments

B
BootsWalking
52 months ago
In a press release today, chipmaker Qorvo said this new functionality will allow U1-enabled accessories to work in tandem with iOS 16 apps to trigger real-time actions based on your precise location

I plan to configure my refrigerator to lock its doors when it senses me walking into the kitchen for ice cream at 2AM.
Score: 55 Votes (Like | Disagree)
M
matttarantino
52 months ago
If you had a U1 homekit device and were nearby, it would be super neat if the Home app would show you that room's accessories ahead of others, given that you are likely looking to turn on/off something in that room.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
A
Ashbash75
52 months ago
I'll wait for U2, just like on my ipod 🤣
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
J
JohnApples
52 months ago
This is pretty cool- I’d love to trigger my upstairs lights to turn on when I start walking up.

Currently I use a motion sensor from Hue, though my cats constantly turn them on all night as they run up and down the steps.

This would definitely alleviate that issue for me lol.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
alexandr Avatar
alexandr
52 months ago

In a press release ('https://www.qorvo.com/newsroom/news/2022/qorvo-uwb-solutions-certified-for-apple-u1-interoperability') today, chipmaker Qorvo said this new functionality will allow U1-enabled accessories to work in tandem with iOS 16 apps to trigger real-time actions based on your precise location

I plan to configure my refrigerator to lock its doors when it senses me walking into the kitchen for ice cream at 2AM.
You can program your HomePod to play alarm sounds.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
J
Jamie0003
52 months ago

If you had a U1 homekit device and were nearby, it would be super neat if the Home app would show you that room's accessories ahead of others, given that you are likely looking to turn on/off something in that room.
I want to see this all done automatically. For example, if you had HomePod minis in every room, lights could turn on and off as you go from room to room, and even things like the heating could follow you as well. I think this is the kind of thing the smarthome was made for
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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