iOS 18 brought several new features to the iPhone, but only a few of them were unveiled during the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024 on June 10. One feature that Apple hasn’t advertised but is set to come with its upcoming update is the ability to offer developers the ability to provide an AirPods-like setup experience with third-party accessories. Apple will bring a new API that developers can use to ensure a seamless setup process.
New setup experience for third-party plugins
According to documentation on Apple’s developer website, iOS 18 will introduce a new API called AccessorySetupKit. Using this API, the iPhone can connect to the accessory with images or names provided by the app via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
Apple says this new API enables “seamless user consent that preserves privacy and control for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and local network permissions.”
Currently, Apple products such as AirPods and AirTag can be paired with an iPhone or iPad through a simple pop-up window that appears when the device is brought close. This eliminates multiple steps that were previously required, such as manually going into device settings, turning on Bluetooth, selecting accessories, and entering a PIN. Instead, an Apple accessory can be paired with a single tap.
Apps integrated with AccessorySetupKit can access more accessory controls, such as unpairing and renaming, the iPhone maker claims. When the user brings the accessory near the iPhone, it is speculated that a pop-up window will appear for automatic quick pairing.
According to Apple, the AccessorySetupKit API is currently available in beta. The company released the iOS 18 Developer 1 Beta after its keynote at WWDC 2024, which means users who have registered as beta developers can download and use it on their iPhone. The API is also available in iPadOS 18 Developer Beta 1.
Compatibility with iOS 18
Devices compatible with iOS 18 include the iPhone XR and newer models, up to the latest iPhone 15 Pro Max. This means that all iPhone models running iOS 17 will receive the update. However, not all features may be available on older models.
