Apple AirTag is a competitor to Tile. Here’s everything you need to know about it.
Why you can trust Pocket-lint (Pocket-lint) – Apple announced AirTag at an event in April 2021. A product to rival Tile, Apple’s AirTag will enable users to locate lost or stolen items through the Find My app on their iPhone, iPod touch or iPad. They are circular discs and feature the same ultra-wideband tech as Apple’s iPhone 12 and other recent devices. Here’s everything you need to know about AirTags, including what features they offer, when they will be available to buy and how much they will cost. Apple AirTag release date Announced 20 April Pre-order from 23 April Available from 30 April Apple announced the AirTag at its Spring Loaded event on 20 April. Pre-orders for the AirTags will start on 23 April. The Apple AirTag will then be available from 30 April. Apple AirTag price $29/£29 for one $99/£99 for four The Apple AirTag will cost $29 in the US, or $99 for four in the US. There are a number of extra accessories available to buy separately, including Parisian fashion brand Hermes accessories. Apple AirTag design 32mm diameter,6mm thickness (TBC) IP67 protection User-removable CR2032 battery Personalisation available The Apple AirTag is a circular devices. It has a laser-etched polished stainless steel finish, which makes it a little more premium in appearance than some of its competitors, while their circular shape also differentiates them. It was claimed in rumours that the AirTag is 32mm in diameter and 6mm thick, but we’re waiting to confirm this. The AirTag has a user-removable battery – which is claimed to last around a year. This is a standard CR2032 cell, so easy to buy when you need to replace it. There’s a built-in speaker and they are IP67 water and dust resistant, which allows for submergence in water of 1-metre for 30 minutes. Apple AirTag can also be personalised, such as with an emoji or a name. There are also a range of accessories available for AirTag, including keyrings and loops that will enable the AirTag to be attached to various items, like backpacks, easily. Apple Features Find My app tracking Precision Finding Ask Siri to find Seamless setup Apple AirTag is designed to keep track of everyday items, such as your keys or your backpack. It is tightly integrated with iOS, with access and control via the Find My app on your Apple device. U1 and Bluetooth connectivity The Apple AirTag features Apple’s U1 chip, which can also be found in the Apple iPhone 12 models, iPhone 11 models, the Apple Watch Series 6 and the HomePod mini. The “U” in U1 stands for “ultra-wideband” (UWB), which is a low-energy, short-range radio technology used for wireless data transmission. The distance between two UWB devices can be measured much more precisely than Bluetooth by calculating the time that it takes for radio waves to pass between the two devices, which makes it great for finding lost items. On top of the U1 chip, AirTag will also use Bluetooth, so anyone with an iOS 14.5 or iPadOS 14.5 device will be able to use them – even without the U1. Apple Simple pairing The AirTag will pair with your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad just as easily as your AirPods do. When you hold the AirTag close to your iPhone, you’ll be prompted to connect – and that’s it, the AirTag will be connected to your phone.
