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Apple Submits Third Model of Mystery 'Wireless Device' With Bluetooth and NFC to FCC
Apple recently submitted an unnamed "Wireless Device" to the FCC, a U.S. government agency that regulates communications, for the third time. The latest filing lists a model number of A1845, slotting in between A1844 in the first filing and A1846 in the second, but there are no new clues as to what the device could be.
Apple again requested permanent confidentiality for most of the documents in the filing, including photos, user manuals, and schematics, so the entry largely remains a mystery. Test reports completed by UL Verification Services reveal that, just like in the first two filings, the device has Bluetooth LE and NFC.
The model numbers A1844, A1845, and A1846 do not correspond to any existing Apple products. A regulatory label in the first filing showed the device has at least two slightly curved edges and two Torx screws, but Apple cropped the image in the second and third filings, likely to give fewer hints about its design.
When the original "Wireless Device" was uncovered, there was some speculation that it could perhaps be a new Apple TV, but the prominent and lengthy regulatory text etched directly on the device, including a wiring guide, would be uncharacteristic of Apple to include on the exterior of a consumer-facing product.
The more likely explanation is that the wireless device is for internal use. It is possible that the device in question is something that is used in retail Apple stores, such as a product display unit or iBeacon-based equipment used to communicate with customer iOS devices, which Apple has filed with the FCC in the past.
The FCC filing could remain a mystery until the device is released, and we may not ever know if it does end up being a product for internal use. But it's fun to speculate, with predictions ranging from Apple's rumored Siri-enabled speaker to a smart thermostat given the RS-485 control signals listed.
Apple again requested permanent confidentiality for most of the documents in the filing, including photos, user manuals, and schematics, so the entry largely remains a mystery. Test reports completed by UL Verification Services reveal that, just like in the first two filings, the device has Bluetooth LE and NFC.
The model numbers A1844, A1845, and A1846 do not correspond to any existing Apple products. A regulatory label in the first filing showed the device has at least two slightly curved edges and two Torx screws, but Apple cropped the image in the second and third filings, likely to give fewer hints about its design.
When the original "Wireless Device" was uncovered, there was some speculation that it could perhaps be a new Apple TV, but the prominent and lengthy regulatory text etched directly on the device, including a wiring guide, would be uncharacteristic of Apple to include on the exterior of a consumer-facing product.
The more likely explanation is that the wireless device is for internal use. It is possible that the device in question is something that is used in retail Apple stores, such as a product display unit or iBeacon-based equipment used to communicate with customer iOS devices, which Apple has filed with the FCC in the past.
The FCC filing could remain a mystery until the device is released, and we may not ever know if it does end up being a product for internal use. But it's fun to speculate, with predictions ranging from Apple's rumored Siri-enabled speaker to a smart thermostat given the RS-485 control signals listed.
Tag: FCC
[ 64 comments ]
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30 months ago
My guess:
Contactless swipe reader for doors at the new Apple campus.
Bluetooth beacon for location alerts on your iPhone/watch,
NFC and Touch ID to gain entry.
The majority of modern offices have swipe cards for its employees. Seems silly for Apple to use another companies solution when they are half-way there with there own products already!
Contactless swipe reader for doors at the new Apple campus.
Bluetooth beacon for location alerts on your iPhone/watch,
NFC and Touch ID to gain entry.
The majority of modern offices have swipe cards for its employees. Seems silly for Apple to use another companies solution when they are half-way there with there own products already!
30 months ago
The device is clearly a pipeline and there are exciting things in it.
On second thought, it could also be a roadmap.
On second thought, it could also be a roadmap.
30 months ago
I don't know what it is, but I do know I'm ready to get my order in now. I'm sure this is going to be an incredible product, whatever it is.
lol, wut?
30 months ago
I don't know what it is, but I do know I'm ready to get my order in now. I'm sure this is going to be an incredible product, whatever it is.
30 months ago
I can't wait to get my own portable Apple Campus 2 SE!
I had one of these when I was a kid :cool:
30 months ago
Do you have an RS-485 serial network in your house? And know how to wire to it?
Agreed. I think it's an NFC door terminal for internal use with their new HQ spaceship and perhaps in Apple Stores.
As noted before, I noticed that the original FCC setup diagram for the Equipment Under Test (EUT) accidentally left in the phrase, "Door SKU". Later versions removed that phrase.
Or, as you said, it could be some kind of Beacon / payment terminal, but it's pretty unusual for one to not also support USB, etc, at least if it were to be commercialized.
As someone else noted, most of these also only have a Component certification marking. Meaning they have not been tested as part of an overall system.
Unbelievable that MacRumors editors are still even suggesting anything else at this point. This is absolutely what it is. Everything points to this being an access control reader - likely for campus 2 and not for general distribution because of the integration with alarm panels via RS485 and weigand as indicated. The different models are possibly for different door lock types (mortise, electrified knobset, strike, mag/bolt, etc (some of these can be combined)).
Between the use of RS485 and the specification of D0/D1 (which points to Weigand) and then the file that you noted which had the reference to a door, this is most definitely access control hardware.
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Geez does anybody read the spec: high max. current, serial driver? It's a THERMOSTAT !!!!
With the push on HomeKit and SIRI to fight off Alexa, hardly suprising that Apple are going down the Nest route for starters. Expect ambient lights next.
Then why did the early docs specify that it should be tested connected to a door?
Why the use of low voltage DC wiring? Thermostats generally run off of 24VAC, or sometimes high voltage.
Why the use of RS485? Yes, there are some thermostats that use RS485, but the install base is very small. It would be a tiny market.
30 months ago
At least something new.... even if we will never see it potentially.
Was hoping for a new airport.
Was hoping for a new airport.
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