AirTag is a tracking device developed by Apple Inc, announced April 20, 2021, at its “Spring loaded” event. AirTag is designed to act like a key finder, helping find keys and other products utilizing UWB technology
Leaks
The product was first reported to be under development since April 2019, where it was later reported that according to Industry watcher Redmond Pie, Starting since February 2020, Asahi Kasei was prepared to begin supplying Apple with tens of millions of ultra-wideband (UWB) parts for the rumored AirTag in the second and third quarters of 2020, which was later delayed.[2]
Some iOS devices support UWB and are said to be compatible with AirTag. On April 2, 2020, it was then confirmed by Appleosophy that AirTag was a recognized product in an Apple Support video posted to YouTube.[3][unreliable source?] In Apple’s iOS 14 release, code was discovered that described the reusable and removable battery that will be used in the device.[4][5]
MacWorld wrote in March 2021 that that iOS 14.5 beta’s Find My user interface included “Items” and “Accessories” features meant for AirTag support for a user’s “backpack, luggage, headphones” and other objects,[6] and AppleInsider noted that the beta included safety warnings for “unauthorized AirTags” persistently in the user’s vicinity.[7]
Announcement
In Apple’s “Spring Loaded” event on 20 April 2021, Apple officially announced AirTag, starting at US$29 for one, with a pack of four available for US$99.[8]
Features
Airtag can be found using the “Find My” app in Apple devices. It is IP67 water and dust resistant. Sounds can be played from an AirTag using the app. iPhones equipped with the U1 chip (iPhone 11 or later, excluding the iPhone SE 2020) can use the precision tracking feature when it’s in range, a feature that uses ultra-wideband technology to provide the direction and precise distance to an AirTag. Using the app, users can mark an AirTag as lost and provide a phone number and a message. The phone number and message can be seen from iPhones with the “Identify found item” feature in the Find My app by tapping it near the phone’s NFC coil, and on Android phones also by tapping it near the phone’s NFC coil, which will redirect to a website containing the message and phone number. A lost AirTag can be located, even offline, using surrounding iPhones’ locations.[1]
Specifications
The device is powered by a CR2032 disposable battery, which is expected to last one year.[9]
Each AirTag is paired with an Apple ID. A given Apple ID can be paired with up to 16 AirTag trackers.[10]
Requirements
- Apple ID
- iPhone or iPod touch models with iOS 14.5 or later
- iPad models with iPadOS 14.5 or later [11]