The long wait for AirTags comes to an end this autumn, according to an unconfirmed report. Leaks and rumors about Apple’s item-tracking tags kept circulating for literally the last year. But it seems the debut is right around the corner, at last.
AirTags about to be found
Apple will take the wraps off AirTags in the second half of October, at the same event in which the iPhone 12 will be announced. At least, that’s what sources in Apple’s Chinese supply chain told Mac Treasure Appraisal Blog, better known as Macotakara.
For a touch of confirmation, trusted TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said essentially the same thing back in February.
Apparently, the wait wasn’t supposed to be so long. Apple originally planned to release AirTags this spring along with the 2020 iPhone SE, according to Macotakara. But Apple allegedly ran into problems. What these were is unknown, however.
More about Apple’s UWB item trackers
AirTags supposedly will be Apple’s entry into a new product category: item trackers. Attach one of these to something — a keychain, suitcase or pet — and it can be located using the same application as Find My iPhone. The tags will use ultra-wideband technology, in which radio signals are broadcast across a broad swath of the radio spectrum. UWB can determine the distance between the sender and receiver with great accuracy.
Code found buried in iOS 13 shows AirTags might be part of a push toward augmented reality. Hidden items might show up on an iPhone screen with AR balloons hovering over them, for example.
Pricing for these upcoming accessories remains unknown.
