Chipolo Lost Wallet Tracker: A Tile Competitor for Apple Find My

Chipolo Launches New Wallet Tracker Integrated with Apple’s Find My App

A new competitor to both AirTag and Tile, named Chipolo, has unveiled a product designed to help users locate misplaced wallets. This innovative device allows for tracking via Apple’s Find My application and provides notifications if a wallet is inadvertently left behind.

Introducing the Chipolo CARD Spot

The Chipolo CARD Spot represents an evolution of the company’s existing smart card technology. It now seamlessly integrates with Apple’s Find My network, mirroring the functionality of the Chipolo ONE Spot – a more compact, rounded tracker that directly challenges the AirTag in the marketplace.

This latest smart card boasts an exceptionally slim profile, measuring 3.35 inches by 2.11 inches, closely resembling the dimensions of a standard credit card. This allows for easy insertion into wallet card slots.

Leveraging Apple’s MFi Program

To facilitate tracking, users synchronize the Chipolo CARD Spot with their iPhone or iPad through the Find My app’s support for third-party hardware accessories.

This integration is enabled by Apple’s MFi Program, which furnishes device manufacturers with the necessary technical specifications and resources to create accessories compatible with Apple devices. The program was previously a source of dispute for Tile.

Tile’s Concerns and Market Shift

Tile previously expressed concerns that Apple leveraged its market position unfairly. They argued Apple initially restricted direct customer access for device manufacturers, requiring integration with Apple’s technology instead. Furthermore, access to Apple’s technology was delayed until after the AirTag’s launch and establishment of a user base.

Tile was recently acquired by Life360 for $205 million, potentially acknowledging the challenges of competing independently against Apple’s growing presence.

Chipolo’s Strategic Approach

In contrast to Tile, Chipolo adopted a collaborative strategy. The company embraced Apple’s network, implementing Find My support for its original tracker, similar in design to the AirTag.

This approach may have contributed to increased brand awareness and customer acquisition, benefiting from Apple’s promotion of compatible devices. Chipolo reports having sold over two million devices globally, generating approximately $10 million in revenue.

Sales experienced a growth exceeding 100% in 2021, with around 20% of units sold being Find My-compatible.

Expanding the Product Line

With the Chipolo CARD Spot, the company is capitalizing on its momentum by offering a Find My-connected product that is currently unavailable from Apple: a dedicated smart card for wallet tracking.

This new accessory primarily competes with Tile’s slim wallet tracker, the Tile Slim.

Features and Functionality

Similar to Tile’s smart card, the Chipolo CARD Spot can be remotely rung or placed into Lost Mode when a wallet is lost. The sound emitted is quite loud, reaching 105 dB, and the card can be pinpointed within a 200 ft. range using the Find My app.

Durability and Battery Life

The Chipolo CARD Spot is water-resistant to splashes (IPX5), though the Tile Slim offers a slightly higher level of protection with an IP67 rating.

The card’s battery is designed to last up to two years. Upon depletion, customers receive a 50% discount on a replacement and are provided with a recycling program for the old device. The Tile Slim boasts a battery life of up to three years.

Pricing and Availability

The Chipolo CARD Spot is priced at $35 for a single card or $60 for a pair, while Tile’s Slim is currently available at $29.99 for one or $59.99 for two.

Competitive Advantage

A key differentiator for Chipolo is its integration with the Find My app, a feature not offered by Tile.

Furthermore, growing concerns regarding the misuse of AirTags – including reports of stalking and carjacking – may lead consumers to favor Find My-connected products, as Apple’s app now includes proactive alerts for unknown devices tracking users. Tile is currently developing its own anti-stalking features.

The Chipolo CARD Spot is available for pre-order through the company’s website and Nomad, with shipments commencing in February.