Qorvo will be the first company to integrate support for the Cupertino company’s U1 chip.
Apple announced at WWDC last month 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”.
In a press release, chipmaker Qorvo said this new feature will allow accessories that support the U1 chip to work in tandem with iOS 16 apps to trigger real-time actions based on our precise location, such as turning on the lights. or play music when we enter a room, even if we are not actively using apps at the time.
Qorvo also announced that its Ultra Wideband chips are now certified by Apple’s MFi program, which is expected to pave the way for third-party brands’ MFi-certified U1-enabled accessories. Accessory manufacturers can use Qorvo chips to create accessories that are compatible with iPhone and Apple Watch models equipped with the U1 chip.
Apple accessories also offer precise and direction-sensitive experiences. For example, users can hold an iPhone equipped with a U1 chip next to a HomePod mini to “broadcast” music playback, complete with visual, audible and tactile effects. Enabled iPhones can also take advantage of the Precision Finding feature which makes it easier to locate an AirTag.
Integrated into iPhone 11 and later models, Apple Watch Series 6 and later models, HomePod mini and AirTag, Apple’s U1 chip uses Ultra-Wideband technology for ultra-precise spatial awareness at close range.
More details can be found on the dedicated page on Apple’s developer website.
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