AirTag

What is AirTag?

AirTag is a small tracking device made by Apple. It helps people find and keep track of their belongings, such as keys, wallets, bags, and more. This coin-shaped device attaches to any item and lets users find their things through the Find My network when paired with an Apple device. AirTag works seamlessly with the existing Apple ecosystem, offering a convenient and reliable solution for those who often misplace their valuables.

An image showing a hand holding an iPhone with the Apple AirTag tracking interface on the screen, and an Apple AirTag illustrating the device tracking feature

Setting Up and Using AirTag

Setting up an AirTag is done through the Find My app on an Apple device. After attaching the AirTag to an item, users bring their iPhone or iPad close to the AirTag, and it automatically pairs with the device. Then, users can name the AirTag and assign it to a specific item or category. The Find My app provides a user-friendly way to manage AirTags, allowing users to see the location of their items and play a sound on them.

Three iPhones showing different stages of using Apple AirTag. The first one shows the connection to the AirTag, the second one shows the AirTag naming interface, and the third one shows the entrance to the Find My app

Precision Tracking

AirTag come­s with a standout feature – Precision Tracking. Utilizing Ultra-Wide­band (UWB) tech, it offers precise­ location info, even indoors, without GPS. When sate­llite navigation falters, AirTag shines. With Pre­cision Tracking, pinpointing exact locations of belongings is easy-pe­asy. No more endless se­arching for misplaced items. AirTag makes finding lost stuff a bre­eze.

Flowchart showing the process of how an AirTag interacts with devices and Apple's servers. These finder devices upload encrypted location reports to Apple's servers, which the owner device can download and decrypt to get location reports
Diagram: communication flow between AirTag, owner’s device, finder devices, and Apple servers

Design and Specifications

AirTag comes in a compact, around 1 inch (2.54 cm) in diameter, and resembles the size and shape of a tiny disc. It is built from Stainless Steel, which has been carefully laser-engraved to provide a polished finish. Furthermore, it is both lightweight and compact, which makes it straightforward to carry and thus can be attached to different items without creating extra weight. AirTag is made to tackle the challenges of daily use and still has intact features. It uses a replaceable CR2032-type battery with a capacity of 230 mA and a warranty of one year.

Firmware Updates

The AirTags also receive firmware updates, just like every other Apple device, offering improved performance and bringing in new features. The means of delivery of these updates are wireless and are performed through the Find My app. Therefore, the users simply have to keep their AirTags up to date. AirTag firmware updates guarantee the protection and operation efficiency in the device’s purpose as they keep the AirTag working in the best manner possible.

Applications of AirTag

AirTag’s ability to be useful in countless environments puts it in a good position to bring people convenience as well as peace in several important issues of life.

  • Track your baggage through travel with peace of mind.
  • Bring about the recovery of stolen items such as bicycles, laptops, or pets that are more likely to be stolen than others.
  • Look around for missing items at home, such as lost car keys or a wallet.
  • Keep track of your pets’ location and ensure they are always protected outside.
  • Attach vital documents for convenient access and effective archiving.
Examples of things that can be found with AirTag: pets, luggage, stolen items, valuables

References

  1. AirTag – Apple
  2. Ultra-wideband – Wikipedia
  3. AirTag – Wikipedia
  4. What Are Apple AirTags and How Do They Work? | SafeWise
  5. Apple AirTags: Everything You Need to Know | PCMag

Additional Resources