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How Air Tag works internally

Published: at 05:00 AM

Apple’s AirTag, introduced in April 2021, is a small, coin-shaped tracking device designed to help users locate lost items such as keys, wallets, bags, or even pets. Its seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem makes it a standout in the realm of item trackers. This article explores how AirTag works, the technology behind it, and its innovative features.


What is an AirTag?

AirTag is a small, lightweight Bluetooth tracker developed by Apple. It works within Apple’s Find My network, a system initially designed to locate lost Apple devices. The AirTag leverages Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, and Apple’s extensive network of devices to provide precise location tracking.


The Key Technologies Behind AirTag

a. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)

AirTag emits a Bluetooth signal that nearby Apple devices can detect. This allows the AirTag’s location to be anonymously relayed back to its owner using the Find My network.

b. Ultra-Wideband (UWB)

AirTag features the U1 chip, Apple’s proprietary ultra-wideband technology, enabling Precision Finding.

c. Apple’s Find My Network

The Find My network is a secure, crowd-sourced system comprising over a billion Apple devices worldwide. It works as follows:

  1. When an AirTag is out of Bluetooth range of its owner, it emits a BLE signal.
  2. Nearby Apple devices detect this signal and securely relay the location of the AirTag to the owner via the internet.
  3. The process is encrypted and anonymous, ensuring privacy.

d. NFC Technology

Each AirTag has an NFC tag embedded. If someone finds a lost AirTag, tapping it with an NFC-enabled device reveals the owner’s contact details (if they’ve enabled this feature).


Setting Up an AirTag

Using an AirTag is simple:

  1. Activation: Pull the plastic tab to activate the AirTag.
  2. Pairing: Bring the AirTag close to an iPhone. A setup screen appears, allowing the user to name the AirTag (e.g., “Keys” or “Wallet”).
  3. Integration: The AirTag is automatically linked to the user’s Apple ID, making it trackable in the Find My app.

Features of AirTag

a. Lost Mode

Lost Mode can be activated via the Find My app. When enabled:

b. Precision Finding

Available on iPhones with the U1 chip, Precision Finding uses AR (augmented reality) visuals, haptics, and sound to guide the user directly to the AirTag.

c. Sound Alerts

AirTag has a built-in speaker that plays a sound to help users locate it when it’s nearby.

d. Anti-Stalking Features

Apple has built measures to prevent AirTags from being used for tracking people without their consent:

e. Replaceable Battery

AirTag uses a CR2032 coin cell battery, which lasts about a year and is easily replaceable.


Security and Privacy

Apple prioritizes privacy in the AirTag system:


Use Cases for AirTag


Limitations of AirTag

Despite its advantages, AirTag has some limitations:


Competitors

AirTag faces competition from other trackers like Tile and Samsung SmartTag. While Tile works across platforms and Samsung SmartTag integrates with SmartThings, AirTag’s seamless Apple integration and extensive Find My network set it apart.



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