Apple expanded its Find My network to support a higher number of third-party Bluetooth tracking accessories [1].
This shift allows users to integrate a wider variety of non-Apple hardware into their ecosystem, reducing reliance on proprietary AirTags for item recovery. By opening the network to more partners, Apple increases the utility of its location services for a broader range of consumer products.
In January 2024, the company increased the total capacity of the Find My network to 32 devices [1], [2]. This update enables the tracking of various third-party Bluetooth accessories, including smart wallets, and trackers from brands such as Chipolo, SwitchBot, and Pebblebee [1], [2].
Previously, the network had a lower limit on the number of items a single user could track. The expansion allows users to monitor more assets simultaneously, from keys and bags to specialized hardware, without hitting a device ceiling [1].
The move is designed to give users more ways to locate their belongings while broadening the overall ecosystem of compatible accessories [1]. By allowing third-party manufacturers to leverage the massive global network of Apple devices, the company ensures that these accessories can be located even when they are far from the owner's primary device [1].
Apple has not provided further details on future capacity increases, but the current limit of 32 devices [2] represents a significant increase over previous iterations of the service. The network continues to operate globally, utilizing the encrypted proximity of other Apple devices to pinpoint the location of registered trackers [1].
“Apple expanded its Find My network to support a higher number of third-party Bluetooth tracking accessories.”
By increasing the device limit and supporting third-party hardware, Apple is transitioning the Find My network from a closed product feature into a broader industry standard for item tracking. This strategy increases the density of the network and locks users more deeply into the iOS ecosystem, as the convenience of a unified tracking dashboard makes switching to a different mobile operating system more difficult.
