AirTag
AirTag is a tracking device developed by Apple.[1] AirTag is designed to act as a key finder, which helps people find personal objects (e.g., keys, bags, apparel, small electronic devices, vehicles). To locate lost items, AirTags use Apple's crowdsourced Find My network, estimated in early 2021 to consist of approximately one billion devices worldwide that detect and anonymously report emitted Bluetooth signals.[2] AirTags are compatible with any iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch device capable of running iOS/iPadOS 14.5 or later, including iPhone 6S or later (including iPhone SE 1, 2 and 3). Using the built-in U1 chip on iPhone 11 or later (except iPhone SE models), users can more precisely locate items using ultra-wideband (UWB) technology. AirTag was announced on April 20, 2021,[3][4] made available for pre-order on April 23, and released on April 30.
This article is about the Apple tracking device. For the mobile shopping and payments provider, see AirTag (company).Developer
Announced on April 20, 2021
Available since April 30, 2021
CR2032 button cell
2.0.73 (2A73)
Find My network
Diameter: 31.9 mm (1.26 in)
Thickness: 8 mm (0.31 in)
11 g (0.39 oz)
History[edit]
The product was rumored to be under development in April 2019.[5] In February 2020, it was reported that Asahi Kasei was prepared to supply Apple with tens of millions of ultra-wideband (UWB) parts for the rumored AirTag in the second and third quarters of 2020, though the shipment was ultimately delayed.[6] On April 2, 2020, a YouTube video on Apple Support[7] page also confirmed AirTag.[8] In Apple's iOS 14.0 release, code was discovered that described the reusable and removable battery that would be used in the AirTag.[9][10] In March 2021, MacWorld stated that iOS 14.5 beta's Find My user interface included "Items" and "Accessories" features meant for AirTag support for a user's "backpack, luggage, headphones" and other objects.[11] AppleInsider noted that the beta included safety warnings for "unauthorized AirTags" persistently in the user's vicinity.[12]
Applications[edit]
Tracking checked luggage[edit]
AirTags have become extremely popular among travelers to track checked luggage on flights and empower them when luggage is lost by carriers.[37][38][39][40] In response, Lufthansa stated that AirTags were not permissible in luggage checked with the carrier.[41][42][43][44] The carrier backtracked after a risk assessment by German risk authorities following widespread criticism and accusations that it was seeking to avoid accountability.[45][46] The Federal Aviation Administration has ruled that storing AirTags in checked luggage is permitted and not a safety hazard despite containing batteries.[47]
Theft prevention and recovery[edit]
AirTags have been used to track stolen property and assist police in recovering them for return to their rightful owners.[48] In February 2023, a North Carolina family discovered that their car had been stolen. In coordination with local police, they utilized an AirTag placed in the vehicle to locate the car and were able to recover their property.[49] Police were reportedly elated at the ease at which they were able to arrest the criminals and recover the property thanks to the AirTags.[50]