- Published on
FindMyWeb: Apple Find My, reverse enginiered
- Authors
- Name
- DeepHorus
FindMyWeb has emerged as an open-source project designed to let users build location trackers they actually own while relying on existing tracking networks. The effort aims to remove dependence on vendor-specific hardware and closed software for location services. It currently lists support for Apple FindMy, Google Find My Device, and Samsung SmartThings.
The project addresses growing fragmentation across consumer tracker ecosystems. Many vendors operate separate networks and require users to own devices running proprietary software, leaving unclear how location data is handled. FindMyWeb proposes a unified web interface for those networks and open-source tracker hardware.
Its codebase reflects a mixed software stack. Python accounts for 38.9% of the repository, followed by Vue at 35.5%, C at 13.1%, TypeScript at 11.4%, CMake at 0.4%, and other languages at 0.6%. The backend uses malmeloo's FindMy.py library to interact with Apple's network, according to the project.
On the hardware side, the trackers run custom Zephyr-based firmware. The setup covers web frontend and backend development or bare-metal deployment. Docker support is listed as to be determined, indicating the project is still evolving.
The implications touch both interoperability and privacy. By letting users build their own trackers, FindMyWeb seeks to give them greater control over devices and location data. It also aims to reduce the need to buy vendor-specific products just to access existing networks.
The project's support for three major networks suggests a broader ambition than a single Apple-focused tool. However, Docker packaging remains unfinished, and the setup instructions point to an early-stage development effort. Future progress will depend on firmware maturity, network compatibility, and community adoption.
