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Apple's AirTags Rumored for October Launch: Here's What to Expect

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Apple is working on a Tile-like Bluetooth tracking device that's designed to be attached to items like keys and wallets. Called AirTags, these item trackers will let you keep an eye on your possessions right in the Find My app.


AirTags are perhaps one of Apple's worst-kept secrets because we've been seeing signs of them in various versions of iOS since early 2019, but it looks like AirTags may finally be ready to launch, coming alongside new iPhones this fall.

Based on images found in iOS, AirTags may be small, circular tags with built-in Bluetooth and ultra-wideband support for tracking purposes. You'll be able to locate your AirTags in the Find My app on iPhone, iPad, and Mac right alongside all of your Apple devices that support Find My.

The rumored ultra-wideband support is worth noting because it's going to let iPhones with a U1 chip (the iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max) track positioning with more accuracy than Bluetooth alone. If you lose your keys down the couch cushion, for example, the iPhone should be able to lead you right to them.

We don't know how AirTags will attach to items, but Apple may use rings, adhesive, or a similar method. The exact design also isn't known at this time, but AirTags are expected to be water resistant. As for charging, there are mixed rumors. AirTags might have a replaceable CR2032 battery or they might feature a rechargeable battery that works with an Apple Watch-style charging puck.

Anything that's lost will show up on a Find My map, and you'll see an associated address. Inside, and when you're close, you may also see an augmented reality map with the specific positioning of your lost device. AirTags will also be able to play a sound when you're close by, making it even easier to locate what you're looking for.

There's an iOS 13 feature that lets Apple products communicate with one another when offline, so your lost iPhone can ping off of someone else's that it comes into contact with even without a cellular connection, letting you know where it is. This same feature could come to AirTags.

We could be seeing AirTags quite soon, if the most recent AirTag rumor from Japanese site Mac Otakara is to be believed. Mac Otakara believes Apple will hold an event in October that will see the launch of iPhone 12 models, the Apple Watch Series 6, and the AirTags.

For more on what to expect when the AirTags launch, make sure to check out our complete AirTags guide.

Article Link: Apple's AirTags Rumored for October Launch: Here's What to Expect
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2020/09/03/airtags-what-to-expect/
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Just to say I'd like to see a through hole in something like this.
Having a simple hole (perhaps with some other fixing method) means you can always loop through a keyring loop, a loop of fabric or wire, or anything your like.
So by all means stick in magnets or sticky pads or anything else, but please have a simple hole.
 
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They will probably be lithium ion, but man if they are serious about e-waste they will allow the user replaceable cr2032 batteries.

edit. Never mind. As long as they're "battery serviceable" then let Apple replace for $30 in two years.
 
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longofest said:
Because Apple took away functionality that they had provided previously, and now they are using that functionality privately.
Click to expand...

I don't think that is accurate. Apple made a change in iOS 13 which defaulted location tracking to "always off" for third party apps while it was flagged "always on" for the FindMy app. Apple didn't remove anything, you can still turn location tracking on for third party apps it is now just defaulted to off for privacy.

Yes, one can argue that its a little jab at companies like Tile, but it did not break their app or product. One could also argue that it was another privacy initiative undertaken by Apple and Tile was caught in the crossfire. I am quite happy with location services being "always off" by default for third party apps forcing me to make the decision.

If I'm wrong please let me know.
 
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rneglia said:
Ever heard of Tile???? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA, classic Apple.
Click to expand...

Ever heard of TrackR????

Tile weren't exactly the first. Nor are they the best in implementation. If Apple can make it actually work and easy (which they have a pretty good track record for), then by all means, they'll win.

I've been waiting for those for a long time and October can't come soon enough.
 
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JM said:
if they are serious about e-waste they will allow the user replaceable cr2032 batteries.
Click to expand...
OMG I almost spat out my coffee with your suggestion Apple would do the right thing and allow you to pop them open and fit in a new 2032 battery.

Hell would freeze over before Apple did anything user/environmentally friendly like that!
 
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Theyayarealivin said:
The most controversial yet impressive product Apple may release. Month of October can’t come soon enough🤥
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It's been done already and, by the looks of the design (if that is the final design, of course), has been done better with Tile. So, is it really impressive? Hmm... I remember the time when Apple led and innovated. I was excited by Apple then. I well remember holding the first iPhone. Now they seem mainly to copy others, months or even years behind, often with inferior specs at higher prices. Fair play to them for getting away with it, I suppose. And yes, I still buy Apple stuff, but it can be delayed for months as far as I am concerned. I am beyond caring. But that's what age and a bit more perspective probably does for you!
 
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Instead of a replaceable battery, I'd really rather have a rechargeable one, Apple-style. Plop it on a charging pad every several months for a couple hours and be good to go. No-waste and easy-peasy. There are other actual GPS-trackers out there that are rechargeable and hold charges for weeks, so it definitely is feasible.
 
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I sent a suggestion to Apple 2-3 years ago where I suggested they do this, but in reverse.

The "dots" should be cheap, distributed around the house and assigned a location (kitchen, bedroom, office, etc), stay fixed and instead used for tracking your iPhone (or rather, have the iPhone "ping" them) in order to determine your iPhone's location within the house.

That would revolutionize HomeKit, as now you could say commands without *always* specifying a location.
You could just say "turn on the lights" and your iPhone would use the dots in order to determine your exact location within the house and magically turn on the lights in the room where you are
 
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One can assume these will be better than the competition such as Tile, TrackR, and all the others since apple can create more at a lower cost at scale with os level integration. While the os integration and wideband tracking I expect to be great, it will come down to the hardware. I certainly don't want a relatively big blog attached to all my small devices. Now if it would somehow able to be an actual thick sticker that's could be great, but hard to imagine battery tech that thin. Tile has a product called a sticker but its not a sticker and while its of course fine for large items, large items typically aren't things you would need as much help finding. Things such as remotes, the "sticker" is far too large. But hopefully the tech will be built into most all future devices including remotes and such, and these will be for larger/older devices.
 
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CausticSoda said:
It's been done already and, by the looks of the design (if that is the final design, of course), has been done better with Tile. So, is it really impressive? Hmm... I remember the time when Apple led and innovated. I was excited by Apple then. I well remember holding the first iPhone. Now they seem mainly to copy others, months or even years behind, often with inferior specs at higher prices. Fair play to them for getting away with it, I suppose. And yes, I still buy Apple stuff, but it can be delayed for months as far as I am concerned. I am beyond caring. But that's what age and a bit more perspective probably does for you!
Click to expand...

I think you're too hard on Apple. I just don't think we're going to see the game changers that we saw in the past. What we have now are more under-the-hood improvements like more and better cameras and unbelievable screens. Sensors like gyroscope and compass, pressure sensor and the like. I had the first iPhone too. It was my first cell. Also, the Apple Watch was a big deal. Those don't come very often.

(I miss my ZX-81)
 
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Ankaa said:
Ever heard of TrackR????

Tile weren't exactly the first. Nor are they the best in implementation. If Apple can make it actually work and easy (which they have a pretty good track record for), then by all means, they'll win.

I've been waiting for those for a long time and October can't come soon enough.
Click to expand...
Yes, Apple will win, because they'll give themselves a competitive advantage. Just like how Siri only worked with Apple Music for the first few years, but not with Spotify. (and 1,000 other examples which I will spare you listing).
 
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How many lost wallets at bars and purses can now be found after to much fun. Or the guy down the block that cut your bike chain on your bike and stole it, can not be found and can meet up with your Louisville slugger. :)
 
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