In the world of technology, Apple Inc. is a name that needs no introduction. Known for its innovative and high-quality products, the tech giant has once again made headlines with its latest offering – the Apple AirTag. This small, coin-shaped device is designed to help you keep track of your belongings using Apple’s Find My network. But like any other product, it comes with its own set of pros and cons. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of the Apple AirTag, providing you with all the information you need to decide whether this gadget is worth your investment.
10 Pros of the Apple AirTag
- Accurate and Reliable: The Apple AirTag is praised for its accuracy and reliability in tracking items. It provides directional cues to guide you to your lost item, making it a dependable tool for keeping track of your belongings. Link
- Precision Finding: The AirTag features Precision Finding, which is compatible with various iPhone models. This feature shows the distance to your AirTag and the direction to head in, thanks to Ultra Wideband technology. Link
- User-Replaceable Battery: Unlike many other tracking devices, the AirTag comes with a user-replaceable CR2032 coin cell battery. This means you won’t have to buy a new AirTag when the battery dies; you can simply replace it. Link
- Splash, Water, and Dust Resistant: The AirTag is splash, water, and dust resistant, having been tested under controlled laboratory conditions with a rating of IP67 under IEC standard 60529. This makes it a durable choice for tracking items that may be exposed to various conditions. Link
- Built-in Speaker: The AirTag comes with a built-in speaker that plays sounds to help locate it. This feature can be especially useful when the AirTag is hidden under or between objects. Link
- Wide Range of Accessories: Apple offers a range of colorful accessories for the AirTag, sold separately. These accessories can help you attach the AirTag to different items and personalize it to your liking. Link
- Advanced Connectivity: The AirTag uses Bluetooth 5.0 for proximity finding, an Apple-designed U1 chip for Ultra Wideband and Precision Finding, and NFC tap for Lost Mode. This advanced connectivity ensures efficient tracking. Link
- Useful for Travel: Travelers have found the AirTag particularly useful for keeping track of their luggage. In one instance, a traveler was able to locate her lost luggage carrying $10,000 worth of belongings using her AirTag. Link
- Affordable: The AirTag is priced at $29 for a single pack and $99 for a four-pack, making it a relatively affordable tracking solution, especially considering the features it offers. Link
- Large Find My Network: The AirTag leverages Apple’s vast Find My network, which consists of hundreds of millions of Apple devices. This network can help locate an AirTag even when it’s not in the immediate vicinity. Link
10 Cons of the Apple AirTag
- No Android Compatibility: The AirTag is designed to work with Apple devices, which means it’s not compatible with Android. This limits its usability for non-Apple users. Link
- No Way to Ping a Phone from the Tag: Unlike some other trackers, the AirTag doesn’t have a feature to ping your phone from the tag. This could be a limitation if you’re trying to find your lost phone using the AirTag. Link
- No Hole for a Lanyard or Keyring: The AirTag doesn’t come with a built-in hole for a lanyard or keyring. This means you’ll need to purchase an additional accessory if you want to attach it to your keys or other items. Link
- Anti-Stalking Features are Limited: While Apple has implemented anti-stalking measures, they have been criticized as being limited. For instance, an unknown AirTag moving with you will only start making noise after three days. Link
- Requires Additional Accessories for Attachment: The AirTag’s design requires you to purchase additional accessories to attach it to items. This could be seen as a hidden cost and may not be appreciated by all users. Link
- Limited Range Without Network: The AirTag relies on the Find My network for tracking. If your lost item is out of Bluetooth range and no Apple devices are nearby, the tracking capabilities are limited. Link
- Privacy Concerns: There have been concerns about the potential misuse of AirTags for tracking people without their consent. Apple has implemented features to prevent this, but the concerns still exist. Link
- Not Fully Waterproof: While the AirTag is water-resistant, it’s not fully waterproof. This means it might not survive if submerged in water for extended periods. Link
- Competition Offers More Features: Some competitors, like Tile, offer additional features such as the ability to ping your phone from the tracker. This could make them a more appealing choice for some users. Link
- Potential for False Notifications: There have been reports of users receiving false notifications about an unknown AirTag moving with them, causing unnecessary worry. Link
The Apple AirTag is a powerful tool for keeping track of your belongings, offering a host of features that make it a standout in the item tracking market. Its precision finding, user-replaceable battery, and the vast Find My network are just a few of the many pros that make it a worthy investment for Apple users.
However, like any product, it’s not without its cons. The lack of Android compatibility, the need for additional accessories, and limited anti-stalking features are some of the drawbacks that potential users need to consider.
In the end, whether the AirTag is the right choice for you depends on your specific needs and circumstances. If you’re an Apple user who often misplaces items and could benefit from the precision finding feature, the AirTag could be a game-changer. However, if you’re an Android user or someone who’s looking for a tracker with a built-in keyring hole, other options in the market might serve you better.
