Oliver Haslam on April 6, 2024, 1:54 am

Google Launches Its Find My Device Network As Apple Readies Support

Google appears to be rolling out its new Find My Device network, with the company sending emails to customers confirming its launch date.

In that email, users learned that the Find My Device network will launch on April 7, although it’s likely most users will see it come online the following Monday, April 8.

9to5Google reported that the email was being received was of Thursday, with Google keen to remind users what the network will do and why it will be so useful.

With the new Find My Device network, you’ll be able to locate your devices even if they’re offline. You can also find any compatible Fast Pair accessories when they’re disconnected from your device. This includes compatible earbuds and headphones, and trackers that you can attach to your wallet, keys, or bike.

The whole system will be similar to Apple’s Find My network, and it appears that Google’s launch coincides with Apple adding support for cross-device stalking protections.

MacRumors reports that code in the iOS 17.5 beta suggests that Apple is getting ready to warn people if non-Apple item trackers are traveling with them.

Code in iOS 17.5 suggests that Apple is adding support for discovering nearby third-party item trackers and alerting iPhone owners when one has been located. “You can disable this item and stop it from sharing its location with the owner. To do this, follow the instructions provided on a website by the manufacturer of this item,” reads some of the code.

Google and Apple had previously announced that they would work together on an industry-standard tracker specification to allow interoperability in terms of alerting users of potential stalking issues.

Google had said that it would not launch the Find My Device network until Apple was ready, and it appears it’s almost time. Apple is expected to release iOS 17.5 to the public in the coming weeks.