Apple is working on a new product called AirTag. The accessory is designed to protect important items such as keys, handbags, wallets and the like from loss by tracking the respective items for the user. We have summarized everything we already know about AirTag for you below.
Where is my keychain? Where is my purse? Where is my laptop bag – and where is my jacket again? For heaven's sake – where is my wallet? Many of us know the feeling – important things get lost quickly and the search begins, preferably within our own four walls. There are solutions like Tile's for this – a small tracker attached to the respective object and the days of searching are over. But Apple is also planning such a solution and this is where AirTag comes in. A small smart tracker that should make it easier for users to search for lost objects. The product was first discovered this summer thanks to an early iOS 13 beta. Over the last few months, more and more clues have appeared in individual iOS 13 versions. These discoveries have helped to reveal more about how AirTag works.
What exactly are AirTags?
But some fans still ask the question: What are AirTags? Apple's AirTags are small trackers that can be attached to various objects – as described above. This accessory is by no means a new invention. However, Apple wants to market them as a useful accessory – so they should offer more than competing products like Tile or Adero – at least in terms of design. Perhaps the biggest advantage is the deep integration with Apple devices. This makes management much easier. Whether macOS, iOS, or iPadOS – the "Find My" app is available on all three systems.
How do Apple AirTags work?
Yes, the functionality of the AirTags was revealed by an extensive leak in an earlier iOS 13 version. The AirTags are paired with an iPhone during setup and connect directly to an associated iPad and Mac automatically using iCloud - however, this requires the same Apple ID on all devices. If the user wants to find out the location of their bag, they need to open the "Find My" app on one of the Apple devices mentioned above and tap the corresponding area. Now the location of each individual AirTag can be precisely tracked.
How are Apple AirTags managed and tracked?
According to an iOS 13 leak, users of such trackers will be able to store corresponding items in the "Items" section of iOS 13, iPadOS 13, or macOS Catalina in the "Find My" app – from there, all management and monitoring of the individual "AirTags" takes place. Opening the "Item" menu item displays three categories: "People," "Devices," and "Objects." New "AirTags" can be added using the "Items" button. Expanding the setup area reveals a notice that reads: "Keep track of your everyday items – tag your everyday items with B389 and never lose them again." As described above, tracking items is done via a map in the "Find My" app. Lost "AirTags" are displayed on the map with an address.
What happens if an item with an AirTag is completely lost?
If, for example, your wallet gets lost, there's a solution for that too. The user can use the "Find My" app to make the AirTag ring using a dedicated button. This, of course, only works if the lost item is nearby.
AirTag gets lost in public – what now?
When users attach an AirTag to their wallet or bag, there is always the risk that the item will be lost somewhere outside. In the worst case, the lost AirTag is no longer near its owner. The alarm would therefore no longer be of any help. But Apple has a practical solution for this too. If this is the case, the user can put the AirTag into lost mode. As soon as another iPhone user with iOS 13 or later is nearby, they will receive a message with the owner's contact information to inform them about the found item. At the same time, however, the actual owner of the lost AirTag will also receive a message that it has been located by another iPhone. This is made possible by the integration of Bluetooth - however, the function requires iOS 13 or later. But there is another option.
Search for AirTags using Augmented Reality
However, the iOS 13 code has revealed another search option. It seems as if the feature can access Apple's ARKit. This allows users to search for lost items using augmented reality. If you activate this search option, the following message appears:
“Walk around several meters and move your iPhone up and down until a balloon appears in view.”
Accordingly, the location on the iPhone is visualized by this marking.
Can the location of AirTags be narrowed down?
Yes, users can determine the location of individual AirTags if they wish. For example, their own home can be specified as a safe place. As soon as the object leaves its restricted location, the user receives a notification directly. The location of an AirTag can also be shared with friends or family members.
How accurate are AirTags?
This question - like all previous ones - can currently be roughly answered based on a beta code. It can currently be assumed that AirTags can be located more accurately than competing products such as Tile. So: Previous leaks and rumors indicate that Apple's tracker has ultra-wideband technology - which is also known to be present in 2019 iPhones. Ultra-wideband (UWB) is a power-saving radio technology for short ranges, but enables very precise location determination - especially indoors.
Design – What will the AirTags look like?
A final design of the AirTags is not yet known. However, during the beta phases and an internal iOS 13 build, clues were found that provide a rough picture. According to this, the AirTags could be small, round and fairly flat objects that can possibly be stuck or hung on objects. They will probably appear in a white case with the Apple logo on the front.
price and release date
The question of price can currently only be answered with speculation, as there is no indication whatsoever. Competing products range between 20 and 40 US dollars. Accordingly, Apple could enter in the same range or a little higher. The question also remains open as to whether there will be packages with several AirTags at a reduced price. The question of a release date cannot be answered any more than the price issue, as there is no indication of a specific time period. The fact is that the AirTags have been included in iOS 13 since summer 2019, but that does not mean that they will appear in the foreseeable future. Apple may not plan a presentation until next year. Finally, I would like to emphasize once again that all information so far is based on iOS 13 leaks - however, this is not a confirmation of the final version, as Apple could change functions or remove them completely at any time. (Photo by palinchak / Bigstockphot)
