Apple AirTag is a small, round, and white device that can help you locate your lost items using your iPhone or iPad. It was launched in April 2021. It works with any iPhone or iPad running iOS or iPadOS 14.5 or later. It uses Bluetooth and ultra-wideband (UWB) technology to communicate with your Apple devices and the Find My network, which consists of nearly a billion iPhones, iPads, and Macs around the world.
The AirTag is easy to set up and use. You just need to bring it close to your iPhone or iPad and follow the on-screen instructions to pair it. You can assign a name and an emoji to your AirTag, such as Keys, Wallet, or Backpack. You can also engrave your AirTag with up to four characters for free when you order it from Apple’s website.
Once paired, you can attach the AirTag to your item using a key ring, a loop, or a holder. Apple sells various accessories for the AirTag, such as leather loops, silicone holders, and Hermès key rings. However, these accessories are quite expensive and some of them cover the AirTag’s speaker, which emits a sound when you try to find it. You can also use third-party accessories or make your own, as long as they have a hole or a slot for the AirTag.
To find your AirTag, you can use the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad. The app shows you the location of your AirTag on a map and lets you play a sound, get directions, or enable Lost Mode. If your AirTag is within Bluetooth range, you can use the Precision Finding feature, which uses UWB technology and the sensors on your iPhone or iPad to guide you to your AirTag with arrows, distance, and haptic feedback. This feature only works with iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 models.
If your AirTag is out of Bluetooth range, you can rely on the Find My network, which uses the encrypted signals from your AirTag to anonymously update its location whenever it comes in contact with another Apple device. You can also enable Lost Mode, which lets you enter a phone number and a message that will be displayed on the screen of any NFC-enabled device that scans your AirTag. You will also get a notification when your AirTag is found.
The AirTag has a replaceable CR2032 battery that lasts for about a year. You can check the battery level in the Find My app and get a notification when it is low. To replace the battery, you just need to press and twist the back cover of the AirTag and pop out the old battery.
The AirTag is also designed with privacy and security in mind. It does not store any location data or personal information on itself. It uses end-to-end encryption and rotating identifiers to communicate with the Find My network. It also has anti-stalking features, such as unwanted AirTag detection, audible alerts, and NFC messages, to prevent someone from secretly tracking you with an AirTag.
The AirTag is a simple and effective way to keep track of your belongings. It is well integrated with the Apple ecosystem and leverages the power of the Find My network. It is also relatively affordable, especially if you buy a pack of four. However, it is not without flaws. It does not have a hole for a key ring, which means you need to buy an accessory or make your own. It does not work with Android devices, which limits its compatibility and usefulness. It can also get scratched or scuffed easily, which affects its appearance.
Here are some of the positive, negative, and neutral points of the AirTag:
Positive:
- Easy to set up and use
- Accurate and reliable location tracking
- Replaceable battery
- Privacy and security features
Negative:
- No hole for a key ring
- No Android compatibility
- Prone to scratches and scuffs