# Business Location Service Apps The Apple iBeacon Service Lets Businesses Send Targeted Promotions By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2014-03-26 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-ibeacon References: [popsci](http://www.popsci.com/article/gadgets/watch-out-ibeacon—because-it’s-watching-you) & [support.apple](http://support.apple.com/kb/HT6048) [Apple](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-business-connect) released a new location services technology called the Apple iBeacon. iBeacon is essentially a module that makes a spontaneous Bluetooth connection with a nearby smartphone and exchanges packets of information with it. Stores, arenas and other venues can use iBeacon to promote coupons, special offers and [location-based information](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/business-worth) to potential customers. Apple iBeacon allows companies to mine data about consumers in real-time. By installing multiple iBeacons in a shopping space, stores can pinpoint shoppers' precise location, monitor their browsing habits and send them promotions that are likely to appeal to them. For example, if a customer is browsing for a music player, stores can use the iBeacon to send them a promotion about a pair of headphones that would work well with the music player. The iBeacon uses [Bluetooth Low Energy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bluetooth-special-interest-group), a form of Bluetooth that doesn't need to maintain a consistent connection to share data, instead sending packets of information only when in range with another device. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.5/10 - Popularity: 32% | Activity: 65% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Real-time Consumer Data:** Apple iBeacon allows companies to mine data about consumers in real-time, providing opportunities for targeted marketing and personalized promotions. - **Location-based Advertising:** iBeacon enables stores and venues to send targeted promotions and location-based information to potential customers, creating opportunities for hyper-local advertising campaigns. - **Bluetooth Low Energy Technology:** The iBeacon's use of Bluetooth Low Energy technology allows for efficient data communication without the need for a consistent connection, opening possibilities for seamless and energy-efficient interactions. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Retail:** The iBeacon technology presents disruptive innovation opportunities for retail stores to enhance customer engagement, deliver personalized promotions, and gather real-time consumer insights. - **Entertainment:** Arenas, theaters, and other entertainment venues can leverage iBeacon to deliver targeted promotions, enhance the visitor experience, and gather valuable data on attendee preferences. - **Advertising and Marketing:** The iBeacon offers a new avenue for advertising agencies and marketers to create location-based campaigns, target specific consumer segments, and measure the effectiveness of their promotions. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Geo-Targeting Store Advertisements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tesco-5.md) - [Tech-Powered Business Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-business-connect.md) - [Location-Based QSR Technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chipotle-3.md) - [Customizable Retail Mobile Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lightspeed-scanner.md) - [Local Event Discovery Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/place-to-be.md) - [Digital Store Mappings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/birdie-store-locator-map.md) - [Hidden Tracker-Detecting Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bluesleuthlite.md) - [Location-Based Social Media Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spotselfie.md) - [Personal Shopping Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beamble.md)