Review / Apple AirTag: do you really need them? The cute wireless tracker gadget will help find valuables and lost keys with the Find My app
- Key ring, bag charm or luggage tag? The versatile Apple AirTag helps you track your valuables – and can be accessorised with luxury Hermès leather cases
- Prices start at US$29, but you’ll need the all-new iOS 14.5 to connect, and the ultra-wideband Precision Finding only works with iPhone 11 and 12 models
I have to confess that the new Apple AirTag has managed to surprise even me. When rumours were flying about an “airtag” in the making, many (me included) immediately assumed that its main use was for tracking your luggage. On further thought, it didn’t seem to be very practical, especially if you were in one country and your luggage was in another.
Fast forward to this week when Apple dropped off the AirTag for review and the multiple possibilities finally dawned on me. Although Apple stresses that the AirTag is not meant for tracking pets and people, especially without permission in the case of the latter, you can bet that pet owners will be adorning their pets with an AirTag.
About a year ago, a good friend of mine was taking her two cats to her brother’s flat because she was going to be out of town. In the car park, one of the anxious felines struggled free and leapt away into the dark.
My friend was frantic but the car park was huge and she didn’t know where to even start looking. After an hour’s search with her brother’s family, she had to accept defeat and call an animal psychic. Long story short, another hour later, she found her shivering kitten hiding on top of the tyre of a nearby car. Now, looking at the tiny AirTag lying on my desk, I can’t help but think how much angst would have been saved had the little thing had one of them on his collar, whatever Apple says about its intentions.
