Bluetooth 6.0 brings accuracy to Find My – possible benefits
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Bluetooth 6.0 brings accuracy to Find My – possible benefits

September 4, 2024

Bluetooth 6.0 introduces the “Channel Sounding” feature, which enables “true range detection” for billions of future Bluetooth devices and accessories. The organization behind Bluetooth promises that this technology will achieve “centimeter-level accuracy over significant distances,” making it easier for users to locate lost items more quickly.

Quickread: At a glance

  • Bluetooth 6.0 brings “channel sounding” for more precise location determination.
  • Improved accuracy for the Find My app even without Ultra Wideband.
  • The first devices with Bluetooth 6.0 could appear in about a year.

Apple already offers a Precise Find feature in the Find My app that uses Ultra Wideband technology to determine the exact location of certain accessories. This feature is available on iPhone 11 and newer models and can be used immediately to find an AirTag or AirPods Pro (2nd generation) charging case.

Apple could combine both Bluetooth 6.0 and Ultra Wideband technologies to further improve precise location finding. Bluetooth 6.0 also opens up possibilities for precise location determination for devices that are not equipped with Ultra Wideband chips, such as the Apple TV's Siri Remote and devices from other manufacturers.

It is still unclear when the first devices with Bluetooth 6.0 will hit the market. Since the specification is only just becoming available to hardware manufacturers and developers, the first Apple devices with support are likely to be around a year away.

Channel Sounding explained!

“Channel sounding” is a technology that measures the exact distance between Bluetooth devices. It enables location determinations to within a centimeter. This significantly improves the precision of location apps and devices.

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