KIRKLAND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) announced today that Apple, Inc. has become a Promoter member of the Bluetooth SIG. Promoter members are the sole voting class on Bluetooth SIG corporate matters and hold a continual seat on the SIG Board of Directors. Current Promoter members Ericsson, Intel, Lenovo, Microsoft, Nokia, and Toshiba unanimously welcomed Apple to the highest membership level of the organization.

“Apple has long been a key participant in the Bluetooth ecosystem,” said Toby Nixon, chairman of the Bluetooth SIG Board of Directors. “Since 2011, the company has provided guidance and knowledge to the Bluetooth SIG through its participation as an Associate Board Member. We’re excited to welcome Apple to its new role in the organization and on the SIG board.”

In the past five years, there has been a dramatic shift as consumers now expect Bluetooth® technology to enable products as varied as phones, laptops, tablets, TVs, cars and even watches to work together seamlessly. In the next five years, over ten billion Bluetooth enabled products are projected to ship globally. Understanding where the industry is headed, anticipating the needs of consumers and SIG members and positioning the technology to enable the Internet of Things are key priorities for the Bluetooth SIG and its board members.

The Bluetooth SIG is comprised of 10 board companies, over 26,000 member companies and a professional staff who collaborate to build the next generation of Bluetooth technology.

About Bluetooth® Wireless Technology

Bluetooth wireless technology is the global wireless standard enabling simple, secure connectivity for an expanding range of devices and serves as the backbone of the connected world. Bluetooth Smart technology, through an updatable platform and low power consumption, creates new application opportunities for the mobile phone, consumer electronics, PC, automotive, health & fitness and smart home industries. With nearly three billion devices shipping annually, Bluetooth is the wireless technology of choice for developers, product manufacturers, and consumers worldwide. Backed by industry leading companies, the Bluetooth SIG empowers over 26,000 member companies to collaborate, innovate and guide Bluetooth wireless technology. For more information, please visit www.bluetooth.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.