Reports about an Apple tracker have increased dramatically in recent weeks. In addition to several iOS 13 leaks, further evidence has now emerged from official sources.
The word "AirTag" was first discovered in iOS 13.2 and, according to the code, is said to stand for Apple's new tracker. But the name "AirTag" is protected. The rights to this brand were held by a Russian group of companies that specializes in RFID technology. Apple is now said to have officially acquired the "AirTag" brand. Russian media are reporting that a group of companies called ISBC - also known as "The leading smart card and RFID tag manufacturer in Russia" - has sold the "AirTag" brand to Apple. The report has now been officially confirmed in a statement on the ISBC website. According to this, there was indeed a transaction to transfer the rights to "AirTag". However, details about the buyer cannot be disclosed as they fall under confidentiality conditions - according to the company. The company explained the rebranding as follows:
"The ISBC® group of companies has decided to push ahead with the development of its own products under the unified ISBC® brand. This decision to rebrand is highly dependent on the international deal on the transfer of the AIRTAG® brand. The transfer of RFID key fobs from the AIRTAG® brand to our flagship product - ISBC® - demonstrates our confidence in the future of products and solutions. The agreed confidentiality does not allow us to disclose the transaction in detail. But we can express our confidence that the future of the AIRTAG® brand that we have envisioned and registered internationally will be bright, that the whole world will know and love the so-called new product."
movement not to track
Apple is not mentioned by name here, but the current iOS 13.2 version the deal indirectly. The name "AirTag" has already been secured there. According to the code, this is definitely reserved for Apple's as yet unpublished tracker. If you follow the movements of the trademark registration "AirTag" directly, you will currently find no indication that establishes a connection to Apple. However, this is due to the fact that the company is temporarily operating under a different name in such transactions. Accordingly, an official adaptation of the brand by Apple Inc. is to be expected at a later date - preferably after the release of the respective product. When Apple will introduce the new accessory remains completely unclear. Everything we know so far about AirTag can be found in our large Summary read it. (Photo by ismagilov / Bigstockphot)