Apple AirTag is a must-have accessory for anyone prone to misplacing keys, wallets, or other essentials.
What, precisely, is an Apple AirTag, and how does it work its tracking wizardry? Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty.
What is Apple AirTag?
Apple AirTag is premium tracking device by Apple. Based on my experience, it has pretty good range, solid battery life, and is very easy to use.
How does an Apple AirTag work?
This signal is picked up by any nearby Apple device that is part of the extensive Find My network. Importantly, this network is entirely anonymous, meaning that the device detecting the AirTag doesn’t know who it belongs to or where it is. When an Apple device detects the AirTag’s signal, it relays this information securely and privately to Apple’s servers, acting as an anonymous intermediary.
To locate your lost item, you can open the Find My app on your iOS device. The app gathers these anonymous location updates from the network and displays the precise whereabouts of your AirTagged item on a map. This collaborative approach ensures both privacy and security while making it remarkably easy to find your lost belongings, whether it’s your keys, wallet, or any other valuable item you’ve tagged with an AirTag.
How long do Apple AirTag batteries last?
Apple AirTag batteries are designed to provide long-lasting performance.
The typical battery life for an Apple AirTag is approximately one year. This estimate is based on normal usage, which involves occasional Bluetooth communication with your Apple devices and low-power operations. Based on my usage, the battery life has been around 1 year as well.
When the battery in your AirTag starts to run low, you’ll receive a notification on your iOS device, prompting you to replace the battery. AirTag uses a standard CR2032 coin-cell battery, which is readily available and easy to replace.
Keep in mind that factors like the frequency of tracking updates and the distance between the AirTag and your iOS device can influence battery life. If you use features like Precision Finding frequently, it may slightly reduce the overall battery lifespan.
Apple AirTag’s range is primarily dependent on its Bluetooth connectivity, and it can communicate with your iOS device over Bluetooth Low Energy. The effective range of an Apple AirTag is approximately 100 to 200 feet (30 to 60 meters) in an open outdoor environment with a clear line of sight.
However, the range can vary depending on several factors:
- Obstacles: Walls, buildings, and other obstacles can reduce the effective range of the AirTag. When indoors or in crowded areas, the range may be shorter.
- Interference: Interference from other electronic devices or Bluetooth signals can impact the AirTag’s range.
- Battery Life: The AirTag’s battery life can also affect its range. As the battery starts to run low, the range may be reduced.
An individual AirTag is priced at around $29 USD. However, Apple often offers multipack deals at a reduced cost per unit, making it an even more attractive option for those looking to track multiple items.
To get your hands on AirTags, you have several convenient options. You can visit your nearest Apple Store or explore their official website for online purchases. Additionally, authorized Apple resellers, large electronics retailers, and popular online marketplaces like Amazon also carry AirTags. Keep in mind that prices and availability may vary by region and retailer, so it’s a good idea to check the latest information to make an informed purchase.
Apple AirTags offer versatile tracking capabilities, making them valuable in various scenarios.
They are ideal for keeping tabs on commonly misplaced items like keys, wallets, or bags. AirTags can also be placed in your luggage, making travel more convenient by helping you track your suitcases at airports. Additionally, they are great for safeguarding your expensive tech gadgets like cameras or laptops. By attaching an AirTag, you can enhance the chances of recovering these items if they are lost or stolen. The uses for Apple AirTags are limited only by your imagination, making them a valuable addition to your everyday life.
Which Apple devices are compatible with AirTag?
Despite having great futures, for efficient usage of the Apple AirTags, it’s crucial to know which Apple devices are compatible. Here’s a breakdown of the Apple devices that work seamlessly with AirTag:
- iPhone Compatibility: AirTags are fully compatible with iPhones running iOS 14.5 or later. This includes a wide range of iPhone models, from the iPhone 6s and later. Whether you have the latest iPhone or an older one, you can make the most of AirTag tracking.
- iPad Compatibility: iPads running iPadOS 14.5 or later can also use AirTags. This extends compatibility to various iPad models, allowing you to track your belongings with your tablet.
- iPod touch Compatibility: Even if you have an iPod touch, you’re not left out. Models running iOS 14.5 or later can join the AirTag tracking party.
So, as you can see, you don’t exactly need an iPhone to use AirTags, you can do it with other Apple devices as well.
Please keep in mind that Apple’s compatibility requirements may evolve with software updates and new device releases.
Apple AirTags do not have native support for Android devices. They are primarily designed to work with iPhones, iPads, and other Apple products.
This means you won’t find an official AirTag app for Android, and you can’t set up or configure AirTags using an Android device in the same way you would with an iPhone or iPad.
However, some third-party web-based tracking services may offer a workaround, allowing Android users to view the location of AirTags shared with them by iPhone users, albeit with potential limitations and security considerations. While there’s no out-of-the-box compatibility, Android users can explore alternative solutions to make use of AirTag-like tracking capabilities, but it’s essential to be aware of the current limitations.
Apple AirTags don’t rely on Wi-Fi to function. Even when your AirTag is far from Wi-Fi networks, it can still relay its location information through the Bluetooth connections of nearby Apple devices, creating a vast and anonymous network that helps you track your belongings. So, no need for Wi-Fi – AirTags work their magic wherever you go, thanks to Bluetooth and the Find My network.
As of now, Apple does not impose a maximum limit on the number of AirTags you can register to your account. This means that whether you have one or multiple AirTags, you can easily connect them all to your Apple ID without any restrictions. This flexibility allows users to track multiple items simultaneously, making it particularly useful for those who wish to keep tabs on various personal belongings or even share tracking with family members.
Can multiple people track an AirTag?
More than one person can track an AirTag.
Check out my guide on whether multiple people can track an AirTag for more detailed instructions.
Does Apple AirTag have GPS?
While Apple AirTag does not have built-in GPS technology, it utilizes a combination of Bluetooth and crowd-sourced location data from other Apple devices to help users locate their lost items. This innovative approach ensures that AirTag can provide accurate location information within the Apple ecosystem. So while it may not have traditional GPS functionality, its reliance on nearby Apple devices makes it a powerful tool for tracking and finding misplaced belongings.
Can Apple AirTag be on two phones?
Apple AirTags are designed to be primarily paired with a single iPhone or iPad at a time. When you initially set up an AirTag, it becomes associated with your Apple ID and your device.
However, you can still share the location of the AirTag with others using the “Find My” app, which allows multiple devices to track and locate the AirTag. This sharing feature lets friends or family members assist in locating the item, even though they can’t actively manage the AirTag’s settings or control it directly from their devices.
While AirTags can’t be actively connected to multiple phones for setup and management simultaneously, sharing the location within the Find My app makes it a collaborative tool for tracking and finding lost items across multiple devices.
Apple AirTags are not officially rated as waterproof, but they do have some degree of water and dust resistance. AirTags come with an IP67 rating, which means they can withstand being submerged in up to 1 meter (about 3.3 feet) of water for about 30 minutes. This level of protection makes them suitable for everyday use and accidental exposure to water, such as rain or splashes.
However, it’s important to note that prolonged exposure to water or submersion beyond their rated limits could potentially damage the AirTag, so it’s best to avoid situations where they might be immersed for extended periods. If you plan to attach an AirTag to an item that might encounter more challenging environmental conditions, consider using a protective accessory or case to enhance its durability.
Does AirTag make noise?
Apple AirTag is designed to make a sound when prompted by the user through the Find My app on their connected Apple device. This sound feature can be especially helpful when you’re trying to locate a misplaced item. When you use the Find My app to play a sound on the AirTag, it emits a loud and distinctive tone, making it easier to identify the item’s location, even if it’s hidden from view.
How Does Apple Ensure Privacy and Security with AirTag?
Apple ensures privacy and security with AirTag by anonymizing and encrypting location data. Unwanted tracking alerts notify users if an unknown AirTag is nearby for too long. Sharing an AirTag prompts alerts to those being tracked. Location history isn’t stored, and the Find My network uses end-to-end encryption. Anti-stalking measures and optional Precision Finding add extra layers of security and privacy, enhancing the overall user experience.
Accessories and customization options
Are your AirTag just tracking devices, or could they be more? Discover how to enhance their functionality and style:
- Apple’s Accessories: Apple offers keyrings and loops to attach AirTags stylishly and securely.
- Personalize with Engraving: Add a personal touch with free engraving when purchasing from Apple.
- Third-Party Options: Explore stylish third-party holders and creative solutions to expand AirTag versatility.
- Customize Your AirTag: Some websites offer personalized AirTag holders with unique designs to express your style while keeping your items tracked.
What makes Apple AirTag stand out from other tracking devices?
Apple AirTag stands out in the crowded world of tracking devices for several reasons.
- Its integration with the Apple ecosystem provides a seamless experience for iPhone and iPad users, leveraging the vast Find My network.
- Precision tracking with Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology sets it apart, offering remarkable accuracy.
- AirTag’s commitment to user privacy, including alerts for unwanted tracking, ensures peace of mind.
- The sheer variety of accessories and customization options allows users to tailor AirTags to their unique needs and style. In essence, AirTag isn’t just a tracker, it’s a blend of cutting-edge technology and thoughtful design that makes keeping tabs on your belongings easier and more intuitive than ever before.
This is how Apple AirTag stacks up against its competitors.
| Feature | Apple AirTag | Tile Pro | Samsung SmartThings Tracker | Chipolo Classic | Google Nest Tag |
| Ecosystem Integration | Seamless with iOS | Tile App Required | SmartThings App | Chipolo App Required | Google Home App Required |
| Precision Tracking | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | LTE-M | Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
| Privacy and Security | Ultra Wideband (UWB) | Limited Privacy Features | Limited Privacy Features | Limited Privacy Features | Limited Privacy Features |
| Customization | Unwanted Tracking Alerts, End-to-End Encryption | Limited Customization | Limited Customization | Personalization Options, Accessory Range | Limited Customization |
| Price Range | Varies based on multipacks | Varies based on model | Varies based on model | Varies based on model | Varies based on model |
Is Apple AirTag worth the investment?
Whether Apple AirTag is worth the investment depends on your needs and preferences. If you’re deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, AirTag’s seamless compatibility can be incredibly convenient. It also prioritizes user privacy and offers a range of customization options. Additionally, cost-effective multipacks make it budget-friendly.
