At the 2021 Apple event, Apple Inc. finally introduced the much-awaited AirTag. These little round discs promise to help spot and recover misplaced gadgets around the world.
Apple Inc. has introduced the Apple AirTag, a coin-shaped “smart” accessory. Apple iPhone, MacBook, and iPad users can use the AirTag to keep track of stuff such as keys, handbags, backpacks, etc. using the Find My app. Here’s a summary of AirTag size, AirTag range, AirTag battery life, and how does AirTag works.
AirTags have finally been officially announced! #AppleEvent pic.twitter.com/ma8wMnGrIN
— AppleInsider (@appleinsider) April 20, 2021
Apple AirTag hardware specifications, battery life:
At its core, Apple AirTag is a tracking accessory. Users can attach the same to a backpack, keychain, handbag, etc. to easily find them.
Apple AirTag is a small and lightweight coin-shaped accessory. It has a removable cover to easily replace the battery.
Battery replacement #AirTag #AppleEvent pic.twitter.com/xYyLEHG1tS
— Apple Software Updates (@AppleSWUpdates) April 20, 2021
Surprisingly, Apple is relying on a CR2032 battery, the most common type of cell, to power the tag. Apple claims the battery can offer a year of service life.
The AirTag has a diameter of 32mm and is just 6mm thick. It comes with a built-in speaker that plays sounds to locate AirTag. The accessory has a polished stainless-steel body.
Selling Accessories for Accessories is genius. #AppleEvent #airtag pic.twitter.com/sg6VZhdNnq
— Michael ✌️ (@inMikesLife) April 20, 2021
Apple AirTag is IP67 rated for water and dust resistance. Setting up an AirTag is quite simple. Users simply need to bring them close to their iPhone, and the NFC antenna will sync the same.
Apple’s U1 chip with Ultra-Wideband technology for Precision Finding for iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 is within the AirTag. Speaking about the same, Apple said:
“This advanced technology can more accurately determine the distance and direction to a lost AirTag when it is in range. As a user moves, Precision Finding fuses input from the camera, ARKit, accelerometer, and gyroscope, and then will guide them to AirTag using a combination of sound, haptics, and visual feedback.”
How does Apple AirTag work?
Apple iPhone users can sync their AirTags with their smartphones. Users can name these tags according to the item they wish to track. The Find My app already contains a list of defaults like “Keys” or “Jacket”.
Apple AirTag relies on Apple’s global Find My network to find a lost item. The Find My app can make the tag play a sound to help locate the device. However, the item must be within Bluetooth range.
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— Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) April 20, 2021
Apple iPhone users can also ask Siri to find the item, and AirTag will play a sound. As mentioned above, Apple uses multiple technologies, including Augmented Reality, to help locate the item attached with tag.
On iPhone 11 and iPhone 12, the AR-infused ‘Precision Finding’ offers a more accurate determination of the distance and direction to a lost AirTag when it is in range.
Hermès designed leather cases for Apple’s new AirTag
During its product launch event on Tuesday, the tech giant announced a new line of Bluetooth tracking devices designed to help users find physical objects through its Find My app.
The devices will be available on April pic.twitter.com/xqPukQeOx1
— WESOLDOUT (@wesoldoutshop) April 21, 2021
If a user loses an item and wants to track its location beyond Bluetooth range, Apple Inc. relies on crowd-sourcing to obtain the needed location information. Apple claims its Find My network is approaching a billion Apple devices.
Apple iPhones, belonging to any person, can detect Bluetooth signals from a lost AirTag and relay the location back to its owner. The company assures all information transmission happens in the background, anonymously and privately.
Good Samaritans can help find the lost item that’s attached to an Apple AirTag. They can simply tap the tag using their iPhone or any NFC-capable device, which will take them to a website with the contact number of the owner. The owner of the lost item must provide their details on the website.