I have anxiety. Not the kind of opener you usually see in a Stuff column, granted, but stick with me. Sometimes, my anxiety manifests due to me misplacing things. And let me tell you, I am a master in putting things down and, mere minutes later, wondering where they’ve vanished to. If it’s a book, that’s merely mildly irritating. But if it’s my keys, my wallet, or a bag? I immediately go into what’s technically known as ARGH! mode, which involves a frenzied hunt, frantically trying to discover where said object is lurking. Which is why I adore AirTags – and why I’m genuinely excited that Apple seemingly still does too, having finally upgraded them.
If you’ve not heard the news, the new AirTags look the same as the old ones. But Apple has tinkered with the tech inside. Precision finding for locating nearby items now works up to 50 per cent further away. The Bluetooth chip has been boosted, extending its potential range. And the ear-piercing screech (“chime” in Apple parlance) that AirTags emit now comes from a louder speaker. (Apple adds that there’s a new chime too. Here’s hoping when it goes off, it no longer makes dogs howl – or nearby humans, for that matter.)
These days, I have AirTags everywhere. There’s one in my bag. I have one in my wallet. One is attached to my keys. That last one and its leather keychain have seen better days. But it and all of my other AirTags still work flawlessly. Which means if my keys make a daring escape for freedom, I can play a high-tech game of “hunt the things” via my iPhone’s Find My app, instead of checking 42 more times in every tiny nook and cranny I’ve already scanned – apart, naturally, from the exact spot where my keys are hiding.
A numbers game
However, the observant among you may have noticed something strange about how Apple talks about its AirTag improvements. It says precision finding now works “up to 50 per cent further away”. The Bluetooth chip “expands the range at which items can be located”. The new speaker is “50 per cent louder”. But louder than what? Further away than what? Apple’s not telling.
Last year, I researched AirTag alternatives for a project. Every single one of Apple’s competitors provided a clear indication of Bluetooth range. Apple? Nothing. Online, estimates vary wildly. When I ran my own tests, results fluctuated too. Apple might argue, “That’s the point.” But, really, it isn’t. Because while real-world performance depends on your surroundings, there are still ideal numbers for tracker ranges, much like a car’s reported 0–60mph time. Even if you won’t hit that every day, you know what it is on paper.
It also gives the impression that Apple has something to hide. Judging by my research, AirTags would likely sit at the lower end of the Bluetooth range spectrum, even with the new increase. So maybe Apple doesn’t want unflattering comparisons. But here’s the thing: the sheer scale of Apple’s Find My network makes AirTags arguably the most effective trackers around. Lose something that has an AirTag attached or inside and you’re more likely to find it than when using competing kit. Still, unless Apple suddenly decides to spill the beans, one thing you won’t find is a number stating the maximum range of your new AirTags.
- Now read: Apple reportedly working on AirTag-sized wearable AI pin
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