A California couple was reunited with their dog after he went through a harrowing experience. Photo: San Bernardino County Fire Department
Seamus the Australian Shepherd was swept away in floodwaters in San Bernardino, California, after recent storms. He was carried downstream almost a mile, but was rescued with the assistance of the Apple AirTag attached to his collar.
Cult of Mac interviewed Emilie Brill, Seamus’ owner. Here are the details of the pup’s rescue in her own words.
Great gifts at terrific prices. Image: Amy Shamblen/Unsplash Licence/Cult of Mac
Looking for some sweet holiday gifts that won’t break the bank? The Cult of Mac Store has a massive collection of affordable stocking stuffers, sure to put a smile on the face of any Apple fan, for less than $20 each.
You’ll find cases, screen protectors, bands, stands and more from our most popular vendors. And every product has been used and approved by us, so you can be confident you’re spending your hard-earned cash on great products.
Get four AirTags for less than $20 each with this hot deal. Photo: Đức Trịnh/Unsplash License
Apple’s AirTags just dropped to a pre-Black Friday low of $74.98 for a four-pack on Amazon. If you’ve been waiting for your chance to snag some of the remarkably handy tracking tags, this is it!
But, as with all Amazon deals, there’s no way of predicting how long this deal will last. If you want to get in on the AirTag action, you’d better grab this deal ASAP.
After a bit of confusion, Lufthansa says it won't ban AirTags from checked baggage. Photo: Daniel Romero/Unsplash License
German airline Lufthansa is not banning Apple’s AirTags and similar tracking tags from checked luggage, the company said Wednesday.
“The German Aviation Authorities (Luftfahrtbundesamt) confirmed today, that they share our risk assessment, that tracking devices with very low battery and transmission power in checked luggage do not pose a safety risk,” a Lufthansa representative told Cult of Mac in an email Wednesday. “With that, these devices are allowed on Lufthansa flights.”
These MacBook Air benchmarks show what a screamer the M2 chip really is. Image: Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: The latest benchmarks make Apple’s M2 chip sound better than we thought. In fact, the new MacBook Air that the processor powers might be the perfect laptop for almost everyone.
Also on The CultCast:
The iPhone 14 Pro’s always-on screen looks sweeeeet.
How does Apple keep pulling off earnings miracles?!?
What not to do when a creep steals your AirTag-equipped scooter.
Somebody built an Apple Store time machine.
And a truffle tangent to end all tangents.
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video livestream, embedded below.
Our sponsor: Squarespace
Special thanks to this week’s sponsor, Squarespace. Get all the tools you need to set up your very own website and commence selling anything online. Start your free website trial today at squarespace.com/cultcast (no credit card required). Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain with code cultcast at checkout.
Don't use an AirTag to go vigilante. You're not Batman. Photo: York Regional Police
A New York City man had his scooter stolen. But he’d put one of Apple’s AirTag item trackers on the bike, so he was able to track down the thieves … who beat the $%#@ out of him.
Stephen Herbert said he feels lucky he got out of the unfortunate encounter alive.
Olpr’s awesome AirTag accessories are all beautifully made from genuine leather. The company sells a bag charm, a luggage tag and a keyring, all of which come with a side helping of class. And you can bag yours at up to 33% off the usual price in the Cult of Mac Store for a limited time.
During the sale, prices start at just $25 for these luxe AirTag accessories that let you securely attach one of Apple’s trackers to your precious belongings.
When you look for an AirTag in Find My, you no longer see a battery icon. unless it's very low. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Yesterday’s iOS 15.6 update and the newest iOS 16 beta show a surprising move on Apple’s part. It took away the Find My app’s AirTag battery indicator.
Previously, when you opened an AirTag card in Find My, you’d see a small battery icon showing remaining power below the tracking device’s name and location, Now you don’t, or at least not until remaining power is critically low.
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.
Don't miss your chance to get AirTags at one of the best prices we've seen. Photo: Kehn Hermano/Pexels
Apple’s AirTag item tracker is available at 17% off the usual price. This is a rare opportunity to get a discount on a single one rather than a bundle of them. But if you prefer a 4-pack, that’s available at 10% off.
It’s good timing: Father’s Day is coming up fast and AirTag makes a nice present.
The Pebblebee Clip is about the size of an AirTag in a case. Photo: Pebblebee
Item tracking company Pebblebee launched two new trackers Thursday — the Clip and the Card — that integrate with Apple’s Find My network so you can easily keep tabs on them via iPhone, iPad or Mac.
An AirTag 4-pack is just what a mom-on-go needs this Mother's Day. Photo: Apple
Now is an especially great time to get AirTag item trackers. For one thing, a pack of four is on sale at the biggest discount we’ve seen. Plus, Mother’s Day is coming up fast, and AirTag makes a nice last-minute present.
This Sunday, you can give mom the gift of never misplacing stuff.
★★★★☆
Apple AirTag seemed kind of meh when it launched. It's gotten better in many ways since then. Photo: Auguras Pipiras/Unsplash
A year ago today, I reviewed the AirTag on launch day. I was unimpressed. Now that I’ve used Apple’s item tracker for 12 months, I can say it’s better than it seemed in my first impressions.
That said, there’s still room for improvement when Apple releases an AirTag 2 or AirTag Pro.
The Chipolo Card Spot is the size of an Apple Card, and helps you find you misplaced wallet. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Think of the Chipolo Card Spot as a very flat AirTag. Put either device into something valuable and you’ll be able to locate it with your iPhone, whether it’s lost in your home or out in the world. But the Card Spot is slim enough to go into your wallet — don’t attempt that with an AirTag.
I tried out Chipolo’s latest item tracker with support for the Find My network to see how well it survives daily use. And it came through with flying colors.
You’d surely run out to spend $500 on the tvTV for Apple TV if it weren’t April Fools’ Day. Photo: Twelve South
Many companies just can’t resist April Fools’ Day jokes. Some people find these exasperating, but others enjoy the lighthearted humor. This year, we got a ridiculous new Apple TV accessory, what’s perhaps the most tasteless way to wear an AirTag, and more.
Read on for our favorite gags to celebrate this unusual holiday.
We should be able to locate every type of Apple accessory with Find My. Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
I’ve misplaced my AirPods case. It’s in my house … somewhere. Fortunately, I can use the Find My app to locate it, as though it were a lost AirPod or AirTag.
Ha, ha, ha! No, I can’t. AirPods cases don’t offer Find My support. Just as the feature is missing from far too many other Apple accessories.
This needs to change. Find My is amazing, but limited by not being on devices that need it.
Update:In autumn 2022, Apple built Find My support into AirPods Pro 2, a sign that the tracking system might be coming to more peripherals.
Made from soft yet sturdy silicone and combined with a useful keychain, the Huex allows you to attach AirTag to almost anything, keeps your tracker protected, and comes in colorful designs to suit your look.
The Apple news drought is about to come to a thunderous end. It's going to be raining Macs! Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: As Apple’s rumored spring event approaches, all signs point toward new Macs. Lots and lots of new Macs. And an iPhone and an iPad. But we can’t stop talking about Macs. It’s like a cult or something around here.
Also on The CultCast:
Is Apple fixing AirTag — or ruining it?
Most Apple Stores in the United States lift their mask mandates (but they’re handing out freebies).
Apple needs to put a ring on our fingers.
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video livestream, embedded below.
The fourth beta release, which rolled out to registered developers on Tuesday, includes a new AirTag setup warning that states it is illegal to use the device to track people without their consent in many regions.
Attach an AIrTag to your keys or other item with the Orbitkey Leather Holder or Slim Case. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Orbitkey offers a pair of AirTag holders that make it easy to attach Apple’s tracking tag to your keys or purse. The Slim Case has a minimalistic design, while the Leather Holder wraps the AirTag in a stylish sleeve.
I used both holders to see how they stood up to real-world use.
Creeps love AirTag. But there are changes Apple could make so it would be much less useful for criminals. Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac
New York’s attorney general issued a warning Wednesday about AirTags being used to secretly track people. And this is only the latest in a growing controversy over misuse of Apple’s tracking tags.
Perhaps Apple should drop the item tracker completely. At the very least, the functionality needs to be scaled way back.
A New York Times reporter found that AirTag tracking and privacy alerts can work better than other trackers. Photo: Apple
Just a day after Apple touted its beefed-up privacy precautions for AirTags — in the wake of criminal incidents involving the tracking devices — an article in The New York Times on Friday showed their superiority to Tile and GPS trackers.
A reporter tracked her husband using all three kinds of devices. She found the AirTags not only better at tracking him in an urban area, but also better at tipping him off to the tracking.
AirTags seemed so innocent and helpful at first. Photo: Apple
Apple said in a statement Thursday it will update AirTags item trackers with new privacy warnings, better warning sounds and smarter Find My tracking. The efforts comes as the company tries to improve security in the wake of criminal activity involving the devices, such as theft and stalking.
To make sure your AirTag has the latest security improvements, check for theAirTag update regularly.
Without a speaker, AirTags are easier to hide. Screenshot: Cult of Mac
Creeps have taken to selling “silent AirTags” with disabled speakers that other creeps can use for more effective stalking. One such device was selling for $77.50 on Etsy before the “star seller” had a change of heart and removed it.
Apple designed AirTag to emit a sound after it has been away from its paired device for a certain period of time, which can help alert those around it of its presence. Without a speaker, AirTag is much more difficult to detect.