As the masses of people anticipate Apple’s release of new products, Apple has officially released the first ever Apple AirTag for purchase. The AirTag is a compact, disk-shaped device that is about the size of a checkers piece. It can be attached to valuable items such as keys or a backpack, so that if the item is misplaced, it can be remotely tracked using the AirTag and the owner’s iPhone. The cost of the AirTag is $29 for a single device or $100 for a pack of four.

Apple’s website states, “Your AirTag sends out a secure Bluetooth signal that can be detected by nearby devices in the Find My network. The whole process is anonymous and encrypted to protect your privacy.” The device connects to an iPhone using Bluetooth capabilities so that the owner can always view where the AirTag is, within a 30-foot radius.

Since some Apple fanatics would have multiple AirTags, the owner’s iPhone would prompt them to name the AirTag to be able to differentiate which one is on what item. Therefore, if one AirTag is lost, the owner will know which one they want to report lost and which one they want to track and/or play a sound when they get closer to it to be able to locate it more easily. The alarm sound that plays is about 85 decibels, which is relatively loud for such a small device.

If the item carrying the AirTag is misplaced, the owner can report it lost. Owners can also access exact directions that will lead them back to the AirTag and their lost item. When the AirTag is reported lost, the iPhones in the immediate area of the AirTag will get a notification from the AirTag with the owner’s contact information so they can return the item. Also, Android users will be able to pull up a URL when they get close enough to the AirTag that gives them information about it, such as that it was reported lost and the owner’s contact information so that the AirTag and lost item can be returned to its rightful owner. 

Owners will be able to use a detailed tracking system from their iPhone that will give them an arrow to follow and how many feet away the AirTag is. However, this feature only works if the AirTag is within 30 feet of the iPhone. As Apple is concerned with privacy and security of its customers, the AirTag has a feature that will alert an iPhone if an AirTag has been following them for a certain amount of time. 

Although Apple has not released detailed information on how this works, it is clear that Apple is protecting people from stalking by having this system in place. Also, if the AirTag has been following someone, but is still within range of the connected iPhone, it will not alert to stalking. For example, if an iPhone spends extended time with someone who has an AirTag, they will not be notified as the owner is near.

According to Forbes, “If Apple sold 35 million AirTags in their first year, it would bring in just over $1 billion in revenue.” This is a highly achievable goal as Apple usually sells hundreds of millions of any single device. For example, “In their 2018 fiscal year, Apple sold more than 217 million iPhones,” according to Statistica.com. Also, leftronic.com stated that Apple sold about 45 million Apple smartwatches in 2018. Therefore, attempting to sell 35 million AirTags in the first year of its release being on the market is probable. 

This device has extremely high functionality as it can help people keep track of valuable items. It can be attached to keys, placed on or in a backpack, and attached to a dog’s collar to be able to easily track them if they run away. Although other devices similar to the AirTag exist, the AirTag is far superior for Apple users because of the easy interface and how connected everything is to help people while keeping others safe.