It’s still not certain when the AirTag will arrive (assuming there’s no change of plans). However, there have been persistent rumors of new budget iPhones launching in the near future. If that happens, it might make sense to unveil the tag at the same time. Not that there will be much of a rush during the pandemic — you probably don’t need a tracker when you’re not even supposed to leave home.

MacRumors

“B389” apparently refers to Apple’s rumored tracking tag hardware that will work much like the Bluetooth tags from Tile. By tapping the “Add B389” bar, you’ll be able to tag and track your bicycle, briefcase, keys or any other objects you want to keep safe. The physical tags could be simple white disks with an Apple logo in the center, according to a previous MacRumors article.

iOS 13 users will be notified when they part ways with a tagged item, according to code in the iOS 13 build. To find it, they can tap a button that will make the Apple tag beep loudly. If that doesn’t work, the item can be placed into “Lost Mode.” If another iPhone user finds it, they’ll be able to see the owner’s contact information and phone or text them. Users can set up “Safe Locations” where an item can be left without the need to notify the owner.

Previous reports show that the Apple’s tracking tags might be powered by a new co-processor in the iPhone 11, and use a combination of ultra-wideband and Bluetooth LE to narrow down search areas. It might also let you find devices using AR, and show red and orange balloons to indicate when you’re getting close. “Walk around several feet and move your iPhone up and down until a balloon comes into view,” a prompt from an internal iOS 13 build reads.

MacRumors notes that the build containing all these features is from June, so the final version of the app might be quite different. Apple might not even release the app or tags, though at this point, it seems more likely than not to become a product. If so, we’re likely to find out when Apple officially launches iOS 13.

This may also lay the groundwork for Apple’s rumored Tile-like tracking tag, although there’s nothing strictly linked to trackers in the leak.

This wouldn’t be the only developer-focused addition, of course. Siri would support a host of new intents for third-party apps, such as media controls (for third-party services on the HomePod, perhaps?), search, voice calling and travel information. There’s also talk of a “brand new” framework for augmented reality, including an app that allows creating AR experiences visually instead of through raw code. Developers could make better use of the Taptic Engine in newer Apple devices, and Marzipan (Apple’s iOS-to-Mac app framework) would let developers use Mac-specific features like the menu bar and multiple windows.

There are still plenty of unknowns about Apple’s intentions for iOS and macOS at WWDC, including the possibility of major interface overhauls. Hardware news, if any, is a mystery as well. If the sources are on the mark, though, there will be some genuinely functional improvements that might not be flashy, but could have a far-reaching impact on how you use your devices.