Apple iOS update can help find lost AirPods

When Apple unveiled its wireless AirPods in October, there were concerns about how easy it would be to lose the tiny devices.
 
Now the company has released the latest version of its iOS software with an app to track them down.
 
The Find My iPhone app let users locate their AirPods - as long as they are in Bluetooth range of any iOS devices.
 
The update is part of iOS10.3, released today. Apple has also dropped support for 32-bit apps in iOS 10.3.
 
If an app was designed in 32-bit, a dialog popup box will appear that says 'This app will not work with future versions of iOS.
 
'The developer of this app needs to update it to improve its compatibility.' Apple has been warning developers about these changes since February 2015.
 
It also includes a Podcasts app widget, new app animations, and a host of small bug fixes and improvements.
 
The radical wireless earphones, which Apple released in November last year after a one-month delay, have garnered positive reviews.
 
But some people expressed concerns about losing the tiny earphones, which cost $159 (£159) to buy.
 
Now the company has release an app update to allow users to find the gadgets if they ever get lost.
 
If the AirPods are within range of any iOS devices signed into iCloud, that device's location will be used to show the user where to start looking for the lost earphones.
 
The app will also be able to play a sound on either or both AirPods to help users track down their location.
 
But the feature will not work if the AirPods are further away than Bluetooth communication can stretch, which is generally around 33 feet (10 metres).
 
This is likely to only work inside your house. The feature will be available on iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch with the software iOS 10.3 or later.
 
Apple will begin releasing the feature to developers as part of the developer seed for iOS 10.3, which starts today.
 
In a bid to help users keep track of their AirPods, a similar app called 'Finder for AirPods' was released last year, costing £3.99 ($3.99).
 
But Apple removed the app earlier this month, deeming it was 'not appropriate for the App store', although the reason remains unclear.
 
Finder for AirPods used the earphones' Bluetooth signal to help users track them down. It would tell users when they were warmer or colder, using the signal strength as a measure.
 
While this isn't the most accurate tool to locate a small object, it was the only option available at the time without paying for new earphones.
 
Apple charges £65 ($69) to replace a lost AirPod, or £159 ($159) for a new pair. 

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