Apple bills the AirTag as the “ultimate” way to keep track of one’s things, but is that really the case? After all, the idea isn’t exactly new, and there are other (cheaper) options out there. In this hub, we’ll look at what sets Apple’s offering apart from the competition and see if it is the best way to keep track of your stuff. So let’s get right to it!
What Is Apple AirTag?
AirTag is a small, round, disc-shaped device that can be attached to just about anything—keychains, purses, backpacks, you name it. Once attached, AirTag uses Apple’s Find My network to keep track of its location. This is accomplished using a combination of GPS, Bluetooth, and Apple’s UHF-banded “Find My” network. When an AirTag is within range of any iOS device that uses Apple’s Find My app (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac), the Find My app can display the AirTag’s current location on a map. Apple promises that its “Find My network” will be able to locate an AirTag even when it’s not in range of an iOS device, thanks to the hundreds of millions of Apple devices that are constantly scanning for Bluetooth signals from AirTags and relaying their locations back to Apple. In other words, as long as an AirTag is within range of any Apple device, it can be located. And if an AirTag is not within range of any Apple devices, it can still be located by Apple’s Find My network.
How to Set Up and Use an AirTag
Setting up and using an AirTag is a pretty straightforward process: One thing to keep in mind is that AirTag does require an Apple ID and iCloud account to work. So if you don’t have an Apple ID or iCloud account, you’ll need to create one to use AirTag. Now that we’ve taken a look at what AirTag is and how it works let’s see how it stacks up against the competition.
AirTag vs. The Competition
As mentioned earlier, AirTag is not the only option out there when it comes to tracking devices. Other (cheaper) options are available, such as Tile and Samsung SmartThings. So what sets Apple’s offering apart from the competition? For starters, Apple’s Find My network is more robust and reliable than anything else. Thanks to the hundreds of millions of Apple devices constantly scanning for Bluetooth signals from AirTags and relaying their locations back to Apple. You can be confident that your AirTag will always be located even when it’s not in range of an iOS device. In addition, AirTag is more accurate than Tile and Samsung SmartThings when locating a lost item. Apple’s Find My app uses a combination of GPS, Bluetooth, and Apple’s UHF-banded “Find My” network to locate an AirTag, which results in a more accurate location than what you’ll get with Tile and Samsung SmartThings. Finally, AirTag is designed to work seamlessly with Apple devices. If you’re already using an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac, then setting up and using AirTag will be a breeze. Tile and Samsung SmartThings, on the other hand, require you to use a separate app to track your lost item.
Are There Any Downsides?
Of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that AirTag is not perfect. One downside is that it requires an Apple ID and iCloud account to work. So if you don’t have an Apple ID or iCloud account, you’ll need to create one to use AirTag. Another downside is that AirTag is more expensive than Tile and Samsung SmartThings. Apple charges $29 for a single AirTag, while something like the Tile Pro tracker costs around $19. Still, despite its shortcomings, most people would agree that the Apple AirTag’s benefits far outweigh its drawbacks. If you’re looking for the best way to keep track of your stuff, Apple AirTag might just be the way to go. Will AirTag work with Bluetooth off? Yes, AirTag will still work even if Bluetooth is turned off on your device. However, keep in mind that AirTag relies on Apple’s Find My network to locate a lost item, and this network can only be accessed when your device is connected to the internet. Can an AirTag be linked to multiple iPhones? No, an AirTag can only be linked to one iPhone at a time and cannot be shared with multiple devices. How long does the battery last? Apple AirTag’s battery lasts for over a year with regular use and can be easily replaced when needed. You can replace the battery by removing the back of the AirTag and pressing on the battery icon. This will cause the battery to pop out, so you can replace it with a new one (CR2032 lithium coin battery). Can I use AirTag to track a child? Yes, Apple AirTag can be used to track a child’s location. However, keep in mind that AirTag is not a substitute for supervision and should not be used to track someone without their knowledge or consent. How far can AirTag track? AirTag can track up to 150 feet away from an iOS device. If the AirTag is out of range, it will use Apple’s Find My network to relay its location back to you.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Apple AirTag is a great way to keep track of your belongings. It’s more accurate and reliable than other tracking devices on the market, and it works seamlessly with Apple products. While it’s more expensive than some of its competitors, most people would agree that the benefits of AirTag outweigh its drawbacks. So if you’re looking for the best way to keep track of your stuff, Apple AirTag is definitely worth considering. Do you have any questions about Apple AirTag? Please send me a message or leave a comment. Thanks for reading! This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional. © 2022 Daniel Edulan Melana
