Apple finds success with AirTag item tracker

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A New York Times reporter found that AirTag tracking and privacy alerts can work better than other trackers.
AirTag is off to a strong start, and sales are growing.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s launch into item trackers has been a success, according to an analyst. The company has sold millions of AirTags, and the number is expected to grow 75% this year.

Still, the Bluetooth tracker has generated controversy since it came on the market in 2021.

AirTag becomes a big hit for Apple

Attach an AirTag to keys, backpack or a purse, and an iPhone can point right to it if it’s ever misplaced. Even better, Apple devices owned by other people can help find the lost item, too. Thanks to Apple’s Find My network, any iPhone, iPad or Mac can locate an AirTag and automatically and anonymously notify the owner of the location.

That combination of features apparently generated plenty of sales. Ming-Chi Kuo from TF International Securities estimates Apple shipped 20 million of them in 2021, the first year AirTag became available. The analyst predicts 35 million of them will ship by the end of 2022.

Be sure to read Cult of Mac‘s AirTag review.

Future looks bright

Kuo also sounds optimistic about the future of the item tracker. “If AirTag shipments continue to grow, I believe Apple will develop the 2nd generation,” he said in a tweet Sunday.

Suggestions from users include a built-in connector loop. Currently, AirTags require a case of some kind to attach the trackers to keys or other items.

Some also called for software changes. Privacy advocates and police complain that AirTag’s capabilities make it an easy tool for stalkers. Apple already moved to address some of these complaints.

Beyond regular AirTags, Apple also could build Find My technology into more of its accessories.

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