Apple AirTag: A Comprehensive Guide to Tracking Your Lost Items
The Apple AirTag is a small, cylindrical device that pairs with Apple devices to help users locate lost items. It’s a significant refinement of an idea that has been fairly niche, working so well that it seems to undermine Apple’s attempts to focus its products on privacy and security.
What is an AirTag?
Apple AirTags are compact trackers that promise to make it easier to locate often-lost items, whether they’re stuck between the couch cushions or left behind at the local park. They work by tightly integrating the tag with iOS, making a Bluetooth item tracker that “just works” with absolutely delightful UWB direction-finding and no connection errors.
Features and Functionality
One of the main features of the AirTag is the ability to track up to 16 items per Apple ID. This includes tracking items like keys, purses, and luggage, as well as pets and cars. However, the AirTag does not do a good job of tracking things in motion.
The AirTag is equipped with a precision finding feature that uses Ultra Wideband radio technology to identify the distance and direction your iPhone is from the AirTag, displaying this information on-screen and through haptic feedback to help you locate the AirTag.
It also has a lost mode that enables a person who finds your AirTag to contact you. This feature uses Apple’s Find My network to locate it.
Privacy and Security
Apple has put a lot of thought into privacy measures to ensure the location trackers can’t be misused. You can’t activate an AirTag on behalf of someone else, and if your iPhone, iPad, or other iOS devices spot that an unknown AirTag is traveling around with you, it will alert you to the tag.
However, it’s important to note that the current systems aren’t perfect. Many Android users aren’t happy that the Tracker Detect software doesn’t run in the background automatically. Unless you remember to constantly check yourself, you could still be being tracked without knowing.
Design and Accessories
The AirTag is compact and lightweight, measuring 1.26 x 1.26 x 0.31 inches and weighing just 0.4oz. It can be slipped into a bag, wallet, or coat pocket. If you want to attach it to keys or other items, optional key fobs and loops in leather and silicone can be purchased from Apple or from third-party brands like Belkin.
Price and Availability
A single Apple AirTag costs $29. You can also purchase a pack of four for $99. If you want to attach an AirTag to keys, bikes, or other items, you’ll need to purchase an optional key fob or loop. These come in silicone or leather, with prices starting from $29.
Conclusion
The Apple AirTags work well for tracking items and pets, but they’re not the best option for tracking anything that moves too fast or could end up in a remote area. However, you can’t beat AirTag’s price. They are simple to set up and use, and the Precision Finding feature can help you quickly locate misplaced items. Apple has paid plenty of attention to privacy to ensure the location trackers can’t be misused.
Despite some minor flaws, the Apple AirTag is a powerful tool that can significantly reduce the hassle of locating lost items. Its integration with Apple’s ecosystem and its focus on privacy make it a worthy addition to any Apple user’s toolkit.