Apple AirTag: The Perfect Solution to Protect Personal Belongings

In addition to its iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, and MacBook product lines, Apple officially launched a new device called AirTag on April 20, 2021. This device was created to help users track and locate lost items. Let’s explore this smart device through the following article!

What is Apple AirTag? How Much Does It Cost?

Apple AirTag is a tiny smart tracking device designed to attach to important personal items such as keys, wallets, mobile devices, etc., making it easy to find them if they are accidentally misplaced.

AirTag had been in development for over a year, and after several delays, Apple officially released the product on April 20, 2021.

Depending on the type, AirTag is priced between $31 and over $40.

Design of AirTag

1. External Design 

The AirTag is shaped like a white disc with a metal plate on one side and is slightly larger than a bottle cap.

Each round AirTag is small and lightweight, made of precision-etched, polished stainless steel, and features IP67 water and dust resistance.

Customers can personalize their AirTag with free engraving, including text and a choice of 31 emojis, when purchasing from apple.com or the Apple Store app.

Users can easily place the AirTag in their pocket or use various AirTag accessories designed by Apple, including the Polyurethane Loop, Leather Loop, and Leather Key Ring.

2. Internal Design

The built-in speaker emits sound to help locate the AirTag, while the removable cover allows users to easily replace the battery.

AirTag features magical setup similar to AirPods—just bring the AirTag close to your iPhone, and they will connect automatically.

Each AirTag is equipped with a speaker, accelerometer, replaceable CR2032 battery, and can be used continuously for one year thanks to power-efficient Bluetooth LE technology.

3. Technology Used 

AirTag operates using Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, allowing for extremely precise positioning. This technology has been incorporated into Apple’s smartphones since the iPhone 11.

How Apple AirTag Works

The AirTag smart tracker uses the Find My app to locate lost items.

When you tap on the AirTag, it uses inputs from the camera, ARKit, accelerometer, and gyroscope to privately transmit the user's signal to the AirTag, combining audio, haptic, and visual feedback.

Overall, AirTag is a Bluetooth tracker, but it outperforms existing devices due to its deep integration with Apple devices.

Within the connection range, as long as any iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or MacBook is nearby, the AirTag will send information and update the item's location to the user's iCloud.

With hundreds of millions of Apple devices active worldwide, AirTag can find items even in the smallest and most hidden corners.

Pros and Cons of Apple AirTag

Pros: 

• Small, attractive design, convenient to use  
• Easily replaceable battery  
• Quickly and accurately finds lost items  
• Supports VoiceOver for visually impaired users  

Cons: 

• Difficulty in locating items in wide vertical spaces  
• Easily scratched if not carefully handled  
• Thieves can remove the battery or destroy the device if stolen  
• Only tracks the location of items within a 6-meter range  

Popular Apple AirTag Products

1. AirTag 4 Pack MX542 Smart Tracker 

The AirTag 4 Pack MX542 Smart Tracker can track locations with high precision thanks to Ultra-Wideband technology and Apple's U1 chip. The product also features an integrated speaker to enhance search efficiency.

The compact design allows you to easily place it in your shirt pocket, handbag, backpack, etc., and it meets the IP67 standard for optimal dust and water resistance.

2. AirTag 1 Pack MX532 Smart Tracker

The AirTag 1 Pack MX532 Smart Tracker features a built-in speaker, making it easier to locate items.

The product can be used for over a year with a CR2032 battery and energy-efficient Bluetooth LE technology.

How to Use AirTag to Find Lost Items in Just 3 Steps 

Similar to traditional Bluetooth trackers, the AirTag attaches to the item you want to track and allows you to manage it from your phone.

Step 1: To use the AirTag, first attach it to an item you consider necessary, such as keys, a wallet, headphones, a handbag, etc.

Step 2: The AirTag will automatically connect to your iPhone or iPad when you bring the devices close. You will then set up a name for the AirTag.

Afterward, these names will appear in the Items section of the Find My app.

Step 3: If the AirTag is nearby, your iPhone will guide you to the item attached to the AirTag using the Precision Finding feature.

Additionally, the AirTag is equipped with an external speaker to emit a sound, making it easier to locate. You can also use Siri to find the AirTag.

Things to Note When Purchasing the Apple AirTag Smart Tracker

1. Compatibility: Requires iPhone with iOS 14.5 or later  

This means iPhones with operating systems below 14.5 (iPhone 6s and earlier) will not be able to use AirTag. Additionally, if you're using an iPhone 7 or later, you must update to the latest iOS version.

2. Accessories Required to Attach AirTag to Other Items  

The AirTag's design is similar to a button, so additional accessories are needed to attach it to other items.

3. AirTag is Easily Scratched

The AirTag has a polished metal back that is slightly raised, making it prone to scratches when in contact with hard objects, so you need to handle it carefully.

4. Removing the Battery Will Disable the AirTag 

The function of the AirTag is to locate lost items, but if the battery is removed, the device will no longer be able to determine its location and will be completely disabled.