Leaked Internal Build of iOS 13 Reveals New Details About Apple's Tile Competitor [Images]

A leaked internal build of iOS 13 has revealed new details about Apple's upcoming Tile competitor. The tracker was first rumored in April and will reportedly leverage Apple's huge network of iOS devices to help you locate lost items.

The build, seen by MacRumors, contains an image of the accessory. It appears to be a small, circular tag with an Apple logo in the center; however, the image could just be a placeholder.




The tags are codenamed "B389" with numerous strings confirming the purpose of the product. For example, "tag your everyday items with B389 and never lose them again."

Users will track their tags via the new Find My app in iOS 13. Although not present in the developer betas of iOS 13, the internal build contains a new "Items" tab for tracking tags.

If you get separated from a tagged item, you'll receive a notification. You can then tap a button in the Find My app to have the tag start emitting an audible chime. Safe Locations can be set to prevent a notification if the item is left in those locations. A tag's location can also be shared with friends and family.

If you are unable to find your item, a tag can be placed into a "Lost Mode". If another iPhone user comes across the item, both the other user and you will be notified. Your contact information will be shared with the other user so they can reach you by phone or text.


MacRumors believes that augmented reality will play a role in item tracking as well.

Like the Pixie Tracker, the Find My app will likely incorporate functionality from Apple's ARKit platform. The internal build of iOS 13 includes an asset for a 3D red balloon that could help a user pinpoint a lost item after scanning a room with their iPhone. There's also an image of a 2D orange balloon.

"Walk around several feet and move your iPhone up and down until a balloon comes into view," a string reads.



There are also strings that suggest the Apple tag will have a removable battery similar to the latest Tile trackers. For example, there is a string that reads, "Unscrew the back of the item and remove the battery".

The leaked internal build of iOS 13 is from June so it's possible things have changed since then. Apple is holding a press event on September 10th to unveil its next generation iPhones; however, it's unclear if the new tracker will be announced at the same event.

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