After months of appearing in rumours, Apple has officially launched their device tracker called the AirTags. They feature their custom designed U1 chip, which uses Ultra Wideband technology (UWB), along with built-in Bluetooth technology that connect with Apple’s Find My network to help keep track of devices.
The AirTags have a small, lightweight polished stainless steel body that is IP67 water and dust-resistant, giving it protection from the outside weather. It comes with a tiny speaker built-in that is designed to help locate the AirTag using sound and the back cover is removable to replace the battery.
With both the U1 chip inside and Bluetooth support, the AirTags can be used to track and locate any object that it is attached to, on Apple’s Find My app. For iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 users, the Find My app can also use the camera, ARKit, accelerometer, and gyroscope to guide the user to the tag using sound, haptics, and visual feedback.
Another unique feature of the AirTag is the ability to place them in Lost Mode where the user will be notified when the tag is in range or located on the Find My network. If anyone finds the tag, they can tap it with their iPhone or an NFC-enabled device, which will take them to a website that shows the owners contact information (only if the owner provided it).
Apple has also built in various privacy and security measures into the whole ecosystem such as end-to-end encryption between devices on the Find My network, rotating Bluetooth signal identifiers that prevent unwanted tracking, and more.
Along with the announcement of the AirTags, Apple also revealed a whole range of AirTag accessories that are designed to securely fit around the AirTag and give users a convenient way of attaching them to an object.
The Apple AirTags will be available for order starting April 23rd, at a price of Rs.3190 for one AirTag and Rs. 10900 for a pack of 4 and will ship from April 30th. Apple is also offering a free engraving for each AirTag, with the choice of any text or a selection of 31 emoji.