AirTag Precision Finding Interface Includes Hidden ‘Developer Mode’

A frustrated AirTag owner has unintentionally discovered the presence of a hidden “developer mode” in the on-screen user interface that Find My screens when the Precision Finding feature is activated to assist locate among Apples item trackers.
Accuracy Finding is a function that supplies users with particular on-screen directions for finding a neighboring AirTag. iPhones with a U1 chip, that includes the iPhone 11 and the iPhone 12 designs, can take benefit of the feature, which integrates electronic camera input, AR, sound, Ultra Wideband radio innovation, and haptic feedback to help locate the product tracker.
The concealed modes overlay, which appears after tapping the items name four times in the Precision Finding user interface, displays real-time diagnostic and technical info about the features operation, consisting of accelerometer and gyroscope coordinates, haptic feedback, screen resolution, tracking animations, and more.
Reddit user “cyem” came across the concealed mode after becoming disappointed with the efficiency of their AirTag, especially when Precision Finding is triggered:

My experience of AirTags hence far has been underwhelming – the first one out of the box failed to pair four times in a row when it was sitting on top of the phone. Now that it is lastly connected, anything outside of 0.8 m/2.6 ft away reveals as a weak signal and when I can get a signal, there is never ever an arrow. Surprisingly enough, I tapped on my name about 5 times in disappointment, and found what seems a covert designer mode. Much more interesting, the arrow appears to actually be working below – just not in the typical mode.
The covert mode in iOS 14.5 is unlikely to be particularly useful to the typical user, and the sliders and buttons that it tosses up most likely should not be manipulated unless you understand what youre doing. Still, the discovery provides an appealing peek under the hood at the hardware and calibration included whenever an AirTags Precision Finding is enabled.
Apple sells specific AirTags for $29, while a pack of four AirTags can be purchased for $99. Single AirTags ordered directly from Apple currently ship in five to 7 days, while engraved AirTags and multipacks are presently on a 5- to six-week lead time.