AirTags was a part of Apple rumor for a very long time and it’s exciting to finally see their official debut. That’s great, but what is AirTags anyway?
In short, AirTags is the Apple version of Tile, the popular keychain tracker. The idea is simple: you have something you often place incorrectly, you attach an AirTag to it. Once AirTag is associated with your Apple ID, you can manage it through your Find My App.
How does AirTags work?
AirTags uses Apple’s comprehensive Find My Network and allows you to quickly find the item they are linked to, be it your keys, handbag, wallet or whatever. They use low power Bluetooth to connect to iPhones, iPads or Mac computers. When you get lost, you have two options for finding an AirTag similar to the way Find My App works with other Apple devices.
If your AirTag is nearby but you are unsure where you can, you can select it from the app and have it ring so you can find it more easily.
If AirTag is out of your area, you can mark it as lost from Find My App. When lost, AirTag sends a message that may contain your contact information. People with iPhones that come within range of AirTag will receive the notification so they can return the item to you.
Additionally, when AirTag connects to another person’s iPhone, you will receive a notification about its approximate location. Of course, no information would be displayed about the person their iPhone is used just to provide the location information encrypted and transmitted over the Internet to your phone. Privacy is taken quite seriously here, where Apple commits to tracking things, not people, and throws end-to-end encryption to AirTags.
Read more: Samsung Galaxy SmartTag hands-on
AirTags specifications
AirTags uses Apple’s ultra – wide band chip, which allows for more accurate tracking and, of course, a wider range.
Each AirTag is powered by a non-rechargeable CR2032 battery, which Apple claims should be enough for a year-long connection. The battery can be easily replaced by the user.
AirTags design
As with everything Apple is designed by AirTags pretty clean, though not as sleek as some previous renderings portrayed them. AirTag has a circular shape, plain white on one side and metallic on the other with the Apple logo on the “bottom” side. You will be able to engrave your tag with text or even any of 31 supported emojis for a more personalized experience.
AirTags price and release date
AirTags start at $ 29.99 per person. Pop. A 4-pack costs $ 99. AirTags will be available from April 30 with a host of custom accessories available. Leather keychain in Saddle Brown, (PRODUCT) RED and Baltic Blue will be available for $ 35 (US); Leather Loop in Saddle Brown and (PRODUCT) RED for $ 39 (US); and the Polyurethane loop in white, deep navy blue, sunflower and electric orange for $ 29 (US).
