AirTags are here. They’ve been with us for just over a week now, and users are taking full advantage. These location tags have been tested in different ways, some more particular than others. In fact, we saw how they were mailed, or how the key fob issue was “solved” without rendering the AirTag unusable.
However, it is not only their endurance that has been tested. The software that makes its “magic” possible is also being tested. And thanks to these experiments, a secret mode capable of offering more specific information was discovered. It is a mode specially created to test the AirTags
This mode can be found on phones compatible with the search for precision. In other words, it is necessary to have an iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 12, 12 Pro or 12 mini. Once this mode is activated, we will have to touch the name of the AirTag four times in a row. Once done, we’ll see an overlay full of new AirTag position details and some tweaks.
As a warning, this menu is not intended for use by inexperienced users. In fact, no way to restore settings, as reported by 9to5Mac. Therefore, we must be careful when handling it. Among the information it displays, we find from the precise distance, the FPS with which the interface is displayed.
On the other hand, as regards the settings, it offers the possibility of deactivating an “ECO mode”, which seems to reduce the resolution of the camera. In addition, the sliders also seem to adjust other parameters, such as brightness or saturation. Finally, it allows you to switch between a “proximity mode” and an “interactive mode”. The second allows access to additional test modes
This debugging mode, as we indicated earlier, does not seem suitable for use by users. However, as of today, in the latest beta versions of iOS 14.6, it’s always accessible. We’ll see if Apple decides to remove this access in the near future, which seems likely.
