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AirTag: The Ultimate Guide to Apple’s Tracking Device
Table of Contents
Published December 19, 2023, at 17:50:58 PST.Last updated December 19, 2023.
What is an AirTag?
The Apple AirTag is a small,button-shaped tracking device designed to help you find everyday items like keys,wallets,bags,and luggage. Released on April 30, 2021, it leverages Apple’s vast “Find My” network – comprised of hundreds of millions of Apple devices – to pinpoint the location of your belongings. Unlike GPS trackers, airtags rely on Bluetooth to communicate with nearby Apple devices, anonymously relaying their location to the owner.
How Does an AirTag Work?
AirTags utilize both bluetooth and Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology. Bluetooth allows the AirTag to connect to nearby Apple devices, while UWB (available on iPhone 11 and later) provides more precise directional finding. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
- Bluetooth Connection: the AirTag emits a secure Bluetooth signal.
- Find My Network: When within Bluetooth range of an Apple device (iPhone,iPad,mac),the airtag’s signal is anonymously detected and its location is relayed to the owner via the find My app.
- Precision Finding (UWB): If you’re within Bluetooth and UWB range (iPhone 11 or later), you can use Precision Finding to see the exact distance and direction to your AirTag.
- Lost Mode: If an AirTag is marked as lost, anyone with an Apple device can tap it to view the owner’s contact data (if provided).
It’s important to note that the location data is end-to-end encrypted, ensuring privacy. Apple does not know the location of your AirTags, only you do.
Key Features and Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1.96 inches (49.6 mm) diameter, 0.31 inch (7.8 mm) height |
| Weight | 0.39 ounce (11 grams) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0, Ultra Wideband (UWB) |
| Water Resistance | IP67 (splash, water, and dust resistant) |
| Battery Life | Approximately 1 year (CR2032 battery) |
| Compatibility | iOS 14.5 or later |
Privacy Considerations and Anti-Stalking Features
Apple has implemented several features to address privacy concerns, especially regarding unwanted tracking. If an airtag that doesn’t belong to you is traveling with you over time, your iPhone will detect it and alert you. Android users can download the Tracker Detect app from the Google Play Store to scan for nearby AirTags. AirTags also have a built-in speaker that will play a sound after a period of time if it’s separated from its owner, further deterring unwanted tracking.
These features were updated in February 2024 to increase the alert volume and shorten the time before an airtag will play a sound when separated from its owner. The Verge details these changes.
While AirTags are a popular choice,several alternatives are available. Tile trackers are a long-standing competitor