Expert review Apple AirTag
Apple AirTag
- Thanks to the Ultra Wideband technology, you can determine the location of your belongings with an accuracy of 30cm.
- You can easily attach the tracker to valuable belongings with a matching loop.
- Connect the AirTag to the HomeKit, so it works together with your other Apple devices.
- Accurate searching via Ultra Wideband is only compatible with the iPhone 11 and newer models.
- The loop you use to attach the AirTag to your belongings isn't included by default.
First impression of the Apple AirTag
-
First impression AirTag
-
A bit larger than a € 2 coin
When I unpack the AirTag, I notice right away that there are no included accessories. To attach the tracker to something, I need a separate loop. The CR2032 button cell battery that'll provide the Bluetooth tracker with power for 1 year is already in the device. It's lightweight, but feels sturdy. The AirTag is a bit larger than a € 2 coin. On the inside of the packaging I find an explanation on how to connect the AirTag to my iPhone. In the box, I also find some documentation.
Sleek design and waterproof, but sensitive to scratches
The appearance is what I expect from an Apple product. Sleek and no fuss. The front is made of shiny white plastic. The back is a sort of metal lid with an Apple logo. You can twist this off if you need to replace the battery. Both sides are sensitive to scratches. The leather Apple loops don't protect the tracker from scratches. A closed loop does, but then you'll no longer see the appearance of the AirTag. Thanks to the waterproof design, the tracker won't break if it's under water for a short time. This means the AirTag meets the IP67 requirements.
Easily connect to an iPhone
The AirTag has a plastic protective film when you take it out of the packaging. When I take this off, I hear a sound. I read that I need to hold the AirTag close to my iPhone. My iPhone recognizes the tracker right away. I press 'Connect' and name my AirTag. I then read that the AirTag is being connected to my Apple ID. After going through all the steps, the tracker makes a sound. It's connected and I see it listed in the 'Search my' app under 'Objects'. With the 'Shortcuts' app, you can easily connect the Bluetooth tracker with other smart home devices in the HomeKit.
Accurate location determination
A colleague hid my keychain with the AirTag on it in various locations. With the 'Find my' app, I find my keys every time by simply following the directions I see on my screen. Thanks to the Ultra Wideband technology, the shown distance is very accurate. My iPhone vibrates when I found my keychain. At home, the signal is weak sometimes and I don't receive any directions. When I left my keychain on another floor, for example. In those situations, I make the AirTag make a noise.
Network of other Apple devices
I also tested the Lost Mode. You use this if you lost your keychain with the AirTag somewhere, for example. In a situation like that, the AirTag makes anonymous contact with other Apple devices close to the tracker. Other people with a smartphone with NFC support, can then scan the tracker and report that they found it. It took a while before I got a notification with the location, but eventually I easily found my keychain. This works well when you lose something, but not when it's stolen. The thief can just throw away the AirTag.
Conclusion
The Apple AirTag is a useful gadget if you often lose something, like your keychain. You can easily connect the waterproof tracker to your iPhone. You can also connect the tracker to other smart home home devices via HomeKit and the Shortcuts app. Apple doesn't include a loop with the AirTag. Want to hang it on your keychain? You'll need to buy a separate loop. Thanks to the U1 chip, location determination is very accurate and works well if you lost something, thanks to Apple's Search my network.
