Apple AirTags are official: Find your stuff the Apple way, starting at $29
UPDATE: Apple AirTags review is ready!
It’s not every day we get a brand new type of product released from Apple but today is such a day. Alongside the new purple iPhone 12 color, we’re also getting something unique that Apple fans can use to expand their collection: AirTags.
AirTags were part of the Apple rumor mill for a very long time and it’s exciting to finally see their official debut. That’s great, but what are AirTags anyway?
How do AirTags work?
AirTags tap into Apple's encompassing Find My network and allow you to quickly find the item they're attached to, be it your keys, handbag, wallet, or whatever. They use low-power Bluetooth to connect to iPhones, iPads or Mac computers. When lost, you have two options to locate an AirTag similar to the way Find My app works with other Apple devices.
If your AirTag is nearby but you’re unsure exactly where, you can select it from the app and make it ring so you can locate it easier.
If the AirTag is outside of your range you can mark it as lost from the Find My app. Once in lost mode, the AirTag will transmit a message that can contain your contact information. People with iPhones that get in range of the AirTag will receive the notification so that they can return the item to you.
Additionally, whenever the AirTag connects to another person’s iPhone, you’ll receive a notification about its approximate location. Of course, no information about that person would be shown, their iPhone is just used to provide the location information, which is encrypted and transmitted over the internet to your phone. Privacy has been taken quite seriously here, with Apple committing to track things, not people, and throwing in end-to-end encryption to AirTags.
If you lose your AirTag and mark it as lost, if another person with an iPhone happens to find it, they can simply take the AirTag near their iPhone and will be taken to a website with your phone number (if you've provided one), where they will be able to contact you.
Read more: Samsung Galaxy SmartTag hands-on
AirTags use Apple’s ultrawide-band chip which allows for more accurate tracking and, of course, a wider range.
Each AirTag is powered by a standard CR2032 non-rechargeable battery which Apple claims should be enough for a year of continuous. The battery can be easily swapped by the user.
As with everything Apple, the design of the AirTags is pretty clean although it’s not as sleek as some earlier renders were depicting them. The AirTag has a circular shape, plain white on one side and metallic on the other with the Apple logo on that “bottom” side as well. You will be able to engrave your tag with text or even any of 31 supported emojis for a more personalized experience.
AirTags specs
AirTags use Apple’s ultrawide-band chip which allows for more accurate tracking and, of course, a wider range.
Each AirTag is powered by a standard CR2032 non-rechargeable battery which Apple claims should be enough for a year of continuous. The battery can be easily swapped by the user.
AirTags design
As with everything Apple, the design of the AirTags is pretty clean although it’s not as sleek as some earlier renders were depicting them. The AirTag has a circular shape, plain white on one side and metallic on the other with the Apple logo on that “bottom” side as well. 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 a pop. A 4-pack will cost $99. AirTags will be available from April 30 with a bevy of custom accessories available. The Leather Key Ring in Saddle Brown, (PRODUCT)RED, and Baltic Blue will be available for $35 (US); the Leather Loop in Saddle Brown and (PRODUCT)RED for $39 (US); and the Polyurethane Loop in White, Deep Navy, Sunflower, and Electric Orange for $29 (US).
FCC OKs Cingular\'s purchase of AT&T Wireless
Things that are NOT allowed: