Ultra Wideband

Context

The availability of Ultra Wideband (UWB) on phones from Apple and Android:

• Apple iPhones**: Ultra Wideband is available on iPhone 11 models and later, excluding iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation). However, it's not available in all countries or regions due to international regulatory requirements¹.
• Android Phones**: Adoption of UWB has been somewhat slow, but a handful of Android flagships already have the technology. Additionally, location trackers like the AirTag and Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2 also use UWB².
• Apple Ultra Wideband availability

So, while iPhones have had UWB for a while, Android phones are gradually catching up!

Source: Conversation with Copilot, 7/8/2024

(1) Ultra Wideband availability - Apple Support. https://support.apple.com/en-us/109512.
(2) Ultra-wideband (UWB): What is is and how it works - Android Police. https://www.androidpolice.com/ultra-wideband-guide/.
(3) Android phones to follow iPhone’s ultra-wideband technology ... - iLounge. https://www.ilounge.com/news/iphone/android-phones-to-follow-iphones-ultra-wideband-technology-in-2020.
(4) What is ultra-wideband on the iPhone 11 – and will it come to Android?. https://www.trustedreviews.com/explainer/what-is-ultra-wideband-uwb-3969667.

Solurions

Apple

Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology is accessible to native apps on Apple devices. Developers can utilize the UWB framework to create location-aware features and enhance user experiences. For instance, AirDrop uses UWB for precise device proximity detection. If you’re a developer, you can explore the Core Location framework to integrate UWB functionality into your iOS apps

Certainly! The **Core Location** framework is an essential part of iOS development. It provides access to location-based services, including GPS, Wi-Fi, cellular networks, and, yes, Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology. Here are some key points:

1. **Location Services**: Core Location allows your app to determine the device's geographical position. You can retrieve the user's current location, monitor significant location changes, and even geofence specific areas.

2. **Permissions and Privacy**: Users must grant permission for your app to access location data. Make sure to handle permissions gracefully and respect user privacy.

3. **Accuracy Levels**:

  - **GPS**: High accuracy but requires an unobstructed view of the sky.
  - **Wi-Fi and Cellular**: Less accurate but works indoors and in urban environments.
  - **UWB**: Extremely precise for short-range positioning (within a few centimeters).

4. **UWB Integration**:

  - To use UWB, you'll need an iPhone 11 or later (excluding iPhone SE).
  - The `CLLocationManager` class is your entry point. Create an instance and request location updates.
  - For UWB, use the `CLBeaconRegion` class to monitor UWB beacons (like AirTags).

5. **Proximity Detection**:

  - UWB enables precise proximity detection between devices. For example, AirDrop uses UWB to identify nearby iPhones.
  - You can create custom experiences based on device proximity.

6. **Background Location Updates**:

  - If your app needs location data in the background, set the appropriate background mode and handle it responsibly.

Remember, Core Location isn't just about UWB—it's a versatile framework for all things location-related!