Apple Tags to Feature Ultra-Wideband Technology for Precise Location Data [Report]

A new report from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that the upcoming 'Apple Tag' will us ultra-wideband technology to obtain precise location data.

Last week, an internal iOS 13 build revealed that Apple plans to release small, circular tags that can be attached to your belongings and used to track their whereabouts. In a new TF International Securities note, Kuo says he expects the trackers to support UWB technology. He also expects the new iPhones to support UWB.

Ultra-wideband is far more accurate for indoor positioning than Bluetooth LE or Wi-Fi. This could give Apple another big advantage over Tile's Bluetooth trackers.


Electronic Design notes that UWB is up to 100x more accurate than Bluetooth LE or Wi-Fi:

In practice, UWB signals are able to effectively measure distance between two devices with 5- to 10-cm accuracy, compared to roughly 5-m accuracy for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. When implemented in a system of fixed beacons tracking tag locations, the locations can be calculated to within 10-cm accuracy.

It's unclear if Apple will rely solely on UWB which would limit tag support to the company's next generation iPhones or whether it will use multiple technologies. It's possible that we will learn more about the new product at Apple's big press event on September 10th.

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[via MacRumors]