Apple has introduced an innovative Precision Finding feature with the iPhone 15. This feature goes beyond simply locating AirTags, now allowing users to track down nearby friends and family members with remarkable accuracy and convenience.
The core technology behind this feature is Ultra-wideband (UWB), a short-range radio frequency technology that enables precise wireless communication between devices. Similar to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, UWB uses radio waves to transmit data.
By emitting short pulses across a wide range of frequencies, UWB can pinpoint the exact location of individuals and devices. This technology is integrated into Apple’s AirTags and is further enhanced by a new U2 chip in the iPhone 15, enabling highly accurate spatial awareness between compatible devices.
When both parties are using iPhone 15 devices, they can exchange signals to determine their relative distance and direction from each other.
To utilize this feature:
- Open the Find My app.
- Select the People tab at the bottom of the screen.
- Choose the name of the friend you wish to locate. If you are not already following each other, you may need to share your location or request their location.
- From there, select Find your friend nearby or See your friend in Maps based on their proximity within UWB range.
- If your friend is nearby, they will receive a notification indicating your attempt to locate them.
- Follow the on-screen directions to see their distance and direction from you, with the screen turning green when you are on the correct path.
The practical applications of this new feature are vast. Imagine using it at crowded events like music festivals, theme parks, or sports games. Apart from convenience, Precision Finding adds a crucial safety element by enabling quick location tracking in unfamiliar or potentially risky environments. It also serves as a valuable tool for parents monitoring their children in busy public settings.
While the Finding Friends Precision Finding feature may not be an immediate upgrade motivator for everyone, its widespread adoption and essentiality in the future seem inevitable as more iPhones with this capability enter the market.
