Apple’s AirTag is a small tracking token, about the size of a bottle cap (but smoother), that works via Bluetooth and Apple devices, mostly iPhones*, to provide a location.
The original AirTag came out in 2021, but an updated version was relea
sed in January, 2026.
What are they good for?
Diane and I have four of them, one on each of our keychains, and one on each of our dogs.
The keychain use is obvious. I probably use mine monthly to find the keys around the house. It really saved my bacon once at my uncle’s farm, when we were moving things into storage. I’d managed to drop my keys up on a storage shelf beside a box, when I was had box and keys in the same hand putting it above head level. They would probably still be there if I hadn’t had the tracker.
Apple explicitly says not to use it for pets (or people), but it has been mighty handy for the dogs when they’ve gotten lose. AirTags only work when they get near an iPhone*, but there are a lot of iPhones in the world.
When we travel, I try to remember to grab the AirTags from the dogs’ collars and stow them in our luggage. Luggage is an especially good use-case because most airlines are now explicitly letting you register your AirTags and use them for tracking through the airline Apps, as well as with the built-in Apple Find My app. That means they have incentive to detect the AirTags in their luggage handling.
New or Old?
They look just the same (some of the nearly unreadable text printer around the Apple is all caps on the newer version), but Apple AirTag (2nd Generation) has better range for both Ultra Wideband and Bluetooth tracing and a louder speaker for the chime.
Apple hasn’t changed the list price ($29 for one, or four for $99), but there are some current good deals on the old ones if you are particularly cost constrained. One benefit for buying directly from Apple online is that you can have them engraved with up to four letters, numbers, or emoji (from a small selection).
Car keys with engraved AirTag with B and a key emoji, for Bryan’s Keys
Here are some current prices:
Amazon
AirTag (1st Generation) 4-pack $69.98
AirTag (1st Generation) $17.00
Walmart
AirTag (1st Generation) 4-pack $64.00
AirTag (1st Generation) $17.00
Costco
Prices below is for members. Non-members pay 5% more.
AirTag (1st Generation) 4-pack $79.00
AirTag (2nd Generation) 5-pack $99.00
This is a 4-pack and a single bundled together for the list price of a 4-pack
Accessories
You might not think something not much bigger than a quarter needs accessories, but if you want them on a keychain, you will need a holder. Don’t buy those at Apple unless you want to pay for fashion. Amazaon has a 4-pack of keychain ring holders for $4, and dog-collar holders for about $8 for four. You may be able to bum on off me, if you ask nicely.
There are also wallets, wallet cards, and remote control cases. The AirTag seems to think for a wallet for me, and the bulk and extra cost seems too much for the remote control (though I really wish Apple would just build the function into the Apple TV remote). There are also silicon cases with 3M sticky tape on the back that could work in all manner of places. I haven’t used any, but recognize the possibilities.
Security Implications
The only significant implication I see for owning AirTags is the temptation to go chasing someone that stole your bike, car, or bag with an AirTag attached/inside. Don’t do that, at least not alone!
Also, don’t track someone without their permission.
There are mitigations built in to prevent that happening to you. If an AirTag that is not yours is following you around, your iPhone will notify you after a period of time.
Recommendations
I’d recommend putting an AirTag into each checked and carry-on bag when you are travelling. For dogs that occasionally run off, they are excellent. For keys they are very convenient, and I tend to keep my keys in the carry-on when I’m travelling, so get a bonus there. The better range on the newer ones is probably worth it if you are buying new, but the close-out prices on the 1st generation are tempting.
*Certain devices detect AirTags and anonymously report the location to Apple. Each iPhone does this in the background, and because there are so many iPhones around, and they are very mobile, that is the backbone of the detection network. Apple iPads, Macs, and HomePods can also pick up nearby AirTags. Android devices can detect an AirTag nearby, but they aren’t part of the tracking network. I suspect Apple may have something unique available for the airlines to scan bags going by on conveyors, as well.