Apple AirTags are finally here! Along with iPad Pro 2021, iMac 2021, and the premium Apple TV, AirTags were also unveiled at the Apple Spring Loaded event. Comprising an ultra-wideband connectivity, the 40 AUD device is compact, lightweight, and can be customized with engravings of your choice of characters or emojis. But unfortunately, the plastic and chrome surfaces are prone to scuffs, scratches, and other marks that might make you think twice before ordering one.

You can certainly pick a case for the tracker, but the designs leave the device susceptible to damage. Given that certain people would use the tracker on their keychain (as seen in Apple's AirTag commercial), it would inevitably be scratched and scuffed by metal. However, we might expect the body to hold up a little better, given that Apple knows the AirTag's purpose.

Interestingly, if we compare the prices of other trackers in the market, the AirTag is amongst the cheapest offerings. This becomes more impressive considering it comprises both Bluetooth and UWB. However, no one should expect AirTags to remain spotless for very long. And this increases for those of you wanting to keep track of your metal keys. The case of the device may offer some protection, but if you're considering pre-order, you need to resign yourself to the reality of having around a beat-up Apple product from the get-go.

AirTag Design and Customization

The AirTag is quite small, with just a 1.26-inch diameter, a height of 0.31 inches, and a weight of just 0.39 ounces. Also, the AirTag is IP67 rated, which means it can survive being in water for 30 minutes. You can also personalize your AirTag with free engravings with characters or emoji. Surprisingly, though the product is designed to track your keys, it offers no way to actually attach itself to those keys.

AirTag Privacy

Apple has built-in a range of protections to protect your privacy and avoid tracking in AirTag. For instance, AirTag never stores your location data or history. Apple also claims that all location data is encrypted and that the location of your AirTag is unknown to Apple.

Further, to cast down people from being tracked, your iPhone will warn you if an AirTag that isn't yours is traveling with you. You'll also be able to play a sound to locate it and get instructions on how to disable it. Lastly, when an AirTag is moved after being separated from its owner for an unspecified period of time, it will alert you to its presence.

AirTag Performance

AirTag offers Bluetooth connectivity for proximity finding. But it goes one step further with the ultra-wideband. If you own an iPhone 11 or iPhone 12 or their variants, all of which have a U1 chip, you’ll be able to use the AirTag’s Precision Finding feature. However, one huge flaw with the device is that it has only limited surface area to produce sound, so you need to be on the same floor as the missing object to hear the AirTag if it is hidden under something.

AirTag Battery and Battery life

In terms of battery, the AirTag is powered with a CR2032 coin cell battery that Apple claims to last over a year. However, a rechargeable battery would have been nice, but then it would have made the tracker bigger.

AirTag Compatibility

AirTags will need a device running iOS 14.5 or later updates. Users will also need an Apple ID to sign in to their iCloud account. Here are some of the compatible devices:

• iPhone SE, 6S or later.
• iPod Touch 7th generation or later.
• iPad Pro, 5th generation or later.
• iPad Air 2 or later.
• iPad Mini 4.

AirTags are now available for pre-order and launch on April 30. You can either pick up a single device or a pack of four. But are these for you? You might want to hold off on buying one after a range of reviews criticizing the device for being a magnet for scuffs and scratches. But if you wish to choose the performance, price, and aesthetic above other functions, it’s a must-buy. However, we recommend you to dive deeper for a better picture of the product.

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