Apple’s AirTags UWB Tracking Accessory Has Been Officially Announced

After what felt like years, Apple has finally and officially announced its AirTags tracking accessory. Given the number of leaks we’ve seen, the design of the device doesn’t really come as a surprise. It is round and puck-shaped and can be attached to a variety of things via the optional accessories that Apple and other third-party manufacturers sell.

So what makes the AirTags different from other Bluetooth tracking accessories in the market? For starters, it uses UWB technology which is said to offer up more precise tracking. Bluetooth trackers usually rely on proximity to let you know if you’re near or far from the object you’re trying to track.

However, by using UWB, Apple has created an accessory that can be tracked in a more precise manner. According to Apple, “This advanced technology can more accurately determine the distance and direction to a lost AirTag when it is in range. As a user moves, Precision Finding fuses input from the camera, ARKit, accelerometer, and gyroscope, and then will guide them to AirTag using a combination of sound, haptics, and visual feedback.”

The AirTags will also work with Apple’s Find My app where if the accessory goes out of range, users can use the Find My app to locate it. For those worried that the accessory might be used as a way to track or stalk someone, Apple has built in security measures for that. For example, an AirTag that has been separated from the user for a long period of time will emit a sound.

Users with iOS devices can also be alerted if it detects an unknown AirTag that has been travelling with them over time.

The AirTag also comes with a replaceable CR2032 battery that is good for about one year of use. For those who are keen on it, the AirTags will be available on the 30th of April priced at $29 each, or $99 for a pack of four.

Tyler Lee
Categories: Apple, General
Tags: airtags, Social Hit