CES 2022 Innovation Awards honoree: The Cypress Hero Backpack with Find My Technology from Targus. Photo: Targus
You won‘t have to attach an AirTag tracker to the upcoming Targus Cypress Hero Backpack to locate it because it’ll have Apple’s Find My tracking technology built in.
The bag, which can hold a MacBook as large as 16 inches, can also be used to locate a misplaced iPhone.
Looks pretty slick, but would you wear one? Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: New renders give us an even better vision of what Apple’s mixed-reality headset might look like. We’re still not convinced we’ll be wondering around with these things strapped to our heads — especially if they cost $3,000. However, we must admit that the concept art by Ian Zelbodoes look pretty cool.
Also on The CultCast:
Your Apple Wallet might get you on a plane next year.
An AirTags Christmas miracle.
An unfortunate darts disaster.
More picks for Gear of the Year!
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.
New iPhone 14 rumors get us excited about 2022. Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Our 2022 hopes are up, up and away on the latest rumors about what new features iPhone 14 Pro might bring. The camera sounds like it will once again deliver impressive gains, but it’s the potential for an iPhone 4-style makeover that’s really got us drooling.
Also on The CultCast:
New Apple displays on the horizon?
Dying AirPods … and amazing deals on replacements.
Alex E. Heath’s goggle-eyed moment during his interview with The Matrix stars.
More of our product picks in Gear of the Year.
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.
Apple AirTag helps save Christmas. Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac
A Texas woman put Apple AirTags on her outdoor Christmas inflatables in case they were stolen. And when they were, she was able to use the item trackers to easily find them.
Worried AirTags are spying on you? Find them with Tracker Detect. Image: Apple/Cult of Mac
Apple on Monday rolled out a brand-new Android app that allows users to identify unexpected AirTags nearby. Tracker Detect can also recognize other Find My-compatible devices from third-party companies.
The app also makes it possible for those who do not own an iPhone or iPad to scan a tracker they have discovered and learn more about it — or disable it so that it can no longer report their location.
Car thieves can hide an AirTag somewhere on your car and track it for theft later. Photo: York Regional Police
Thieves in Canada have apparently found an unintended and novel use for Apple’s AirTag locator devices. They use them to track cars they’d like to steal.
You know you want an AirTag wallet. Now the Snapback Slim comes in three colors. Photo: Nick Augeri
If you want to keep tabs on your credit cards and cash with one of Apple’s new wireless trackers, consider the Snapback Slim Air — a slender leather wallet with a pocket on the side for an AirTag.
The Snapback Slim Air is a trendy slim wallet, a style that’s currently all the rage. It comes in three colors and is designed to slide into your front pocket like a money clip. It holds up to six cards, a few folded bills and an AirTag. And we have an exclusive discount code for Cult of Mac readers.
Life360 will pay $205 million. Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac
Tile, the company famous for its Bluetooth tracking gadgets, is selling itself to Life360 for $205 million. The move comes just six months after Tile was forced to face its toughest competition yet — Apple’s popular AirTag.
Life360, which offers a family safety service, said the Tile acquisition will allow it to “provide a unique and all-encompassing solution for finding the people, pets and things.” The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2022.
Apple is offering customers up to $200 back in Apple Store gift cards when they buy eligible products this Black Friday. Its four-day shopping event runs from November 26, and you can enjoy in in-store, online, and over the phone.
Find out what you’ll get back on certain products right here.
Apple doesn't want AirTags and other devices to be used to track others. Photo: Apple
Apple’s new iOS 15.2 beta gives iPhone and iPad users the option to scan for nearby AirTags and Find My devices that may be tracking their movements.
The beta adds a new “Items That Can Track Me” button to the Find My app. Tapping it will display a list of “Unknown Items” — if there are any nearby. The app then provide users with instructions on how to disable anything that shows up.
The 2021 Tile Pro, Tile Slim and Tile Sticker have been upgraded to look and perform better. Photo: Tile
The new generation of Tile trackers for 2021 offer sleeker new designs, increased range, a louder ring and a new way for lost items to be found and returned.
Tile has had to step up its game now that it faces competition from Apple AirTag.
iOS 15.0.2 is out to get rid of some iPhone problems. Photo: Cult of Mac
iPhone users should install the latest system software update because it fixes a collection of bugs. Monday’s release of iOS 15.0.2 takes care of images that couldn’t be deleted, problems with AirTag and iPhone Leather Wallet, and more. More significantly, it (and a related iPadOS update) deals with a device restore/update issue with iPhone 13 and the new iPad mini. If you’re unsure whether your AirTag is up to date, you can check thecurrent AirTag firmware version to stay on track.
Tablet users can install iPadOS 15.0.2, which also came out Monday.
Check out these great deals on AirTag accessories. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Apple’s AirTag trackers are great. With one little device, suddenly you don’t have to worry about your lost wallet or misplaced keys.
However, these circular devices are just about useless for most applications unless you add an AirTag accessory that holds the tracker in place. You could always duct-tape one to your backpack and claim it’s shabby chic, but … yeah, no. Luckily, we have some fun cases and accessories specially made for AirTags on sale right now, and you should take a look.
The Elago Snapshot Cover for AirPods Pro looks like a tiny camera with an AirTag for a lens. Photo: Elago
If you’d like a distinctively cute case for your favorite earbuds and an extra layer of security, you might try the new Elago Snapshot Cover for AirPods Pro. It makes the case look like a tiny camera with an AirTag for a lens.
Save on the entire SwitchEasy range. Photo: SwitchEasy
SwitchEasy recently kicked off its big Back to School sale, giving you 15% off its wide range of cases for iPhone and iPad, new MagSafe mounts, and lots more. Prices start at just $11.04, but the discount ends soon.
The CollarTrek is a sturdy leather dog collar with a nifty AirTag pocket, ensuring your doggy is trackable. Photo: CollarTrek
If you have a dog that runs away or just doesn’t listen, this week’s giveaway is for you. The CollarTrek dog collar securely holds an AirTag in place, making sure Fido’s location is easily trackable at all times.
Keep your dog safe and sound by entering this week’s giveaway. Enter and you could win one of four CollarTrek Leather AirTag dog collars.
UPDATE 7/8/21: Elago’s brilliant AirTag keychain is now available in new colors — stone, lavender and dark gray — and its price tag has been lowered from $15.99 to $11.99.
Make your AirTag infinitely more useful by combining it with an Elago Case keychain and attaching it to almost anything.
Made from sturdy silicone that keeps your AirTag protected at all times, the case also features a built-in clip that can be easily attached to any bag, coat, bicycle, and more. It’s also affordable at under $12.
Save on the stunning polished Revo from Juuk, and lots, lots more. Photo: Juuk
The Cult of Mac Store just kicked off its big Fourth of July sale, offering 15% off all items when you spend $50 or more.
Take your pick from some of the best iPhone, iPad and AirPods cases, stands, Apple Watch bands and more — all hand-picked and approved by members of the Cult of Mac team.
This case protects your AirTag from any and all damage. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
The beauty of Apple AirTags is that the tracking tags attach to your valuables and allow you to find them with your iPhone, from anywhere. But that also means your AirTags are constantly on the move — and vulnerable to damage.
That’s why anyone who invested in an AirTag needs a solid case to keep it protected. One of the best is this Apple AirTag Protector Case, which is on sale right now for just $14.95. That’s a 50% discount off the regular price of $29.
It’s getting easier to find a hidden AirTag being used to stalk someone. Photo: Apple
Apple moved to address many of the privacy concerns raised after the release of AirTags. The item trackers launched with anti-stalking features, but a new firmware update is tightening them up further.
AirTags will start more quickly warning people if they’re being used to follow someone. And an Android app that can detect these trackers is in development.
100% BPA-free and environmentally friendly. Photo: SwitchEasy
Keep your AirTag protected and secured to almost anything with the simple, stylish and affordable SwitchEasy Skin.
Made from sturdy silicone, the Skin is non-toxic and environmentally friendly. It shows off both sides of your AirTag while allowing you to easily attach it to backpacks, purses, suitcases and more.
Chipolo One Spot offers many of the best features of Apple’s AirTag. And it’s better in other ways. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The Chipolo One Spot is the strongest rival for Apple’s new AirTag. Both can access the Apple Find My network for locating lost objects. But the One Spot has better range, and is easier to attach. And there’s more.
I’ve tested both these trackers. Here’s why I prefer Chipolo’s over Apple’s.
You know you want an AirTag wallet. Photo: Nick Augeri
Snapback Slim Air is a slender leather wallet with a pocket on the side that holds an AirTag. If you want to keep tabs on your credit cards and cash with one of Apple’s new wireless trackers, it provides an elegant-looking solution.
“It’s handcrafted in the USA, made from premium Italian leather, and stays slim with the unique design/cutout for the AirTag,” said Nick Augeri, who launched the project Monday on Kickstarter, in an email to Cult of Mac.
Is there a fault with Apple's most expensive AirTags accessories? Photo: Apple
Apple products have always cost a premium, but they’re also some of the best-made devices and products that you’ll find. Most of the time, at least.
9to5Mac points out that all three of Apple’s Hermès AirTag Key Rings and Luggage Tags are listed as “Currently Unavailable” on Apple’s website, regardless of which option users try to select. It also cites a reader who suggests a quality issue could be to blame.
Wouldn't it have been great if the Siri Remote featured some of Apple's smart AirTag tracking tech? Photo: Apple
Of all the items that get misplaced regularly in my home, the TV remote has got to rank up there as number one. Other items, such as keys and wallet, may have a smaller footprint, but for whatever reason it’s the TV remote which constantly winds up going MIA.
With Apple redesigning the hated Siri Remote for its 2021 Apple TV 4K, you’d think it would be the perfect time to add some kind of tracking functionality to the device. After all, Apple’s just introduced AirTag, its location-tracking smart tech which promises to help you locate those hard-to-find with impressive accuracy.
Surely Apple could have squeezed its U1 Precision Tracking tech into the revamped Siri Remote? Apparently not. And according to a somewhat cryptic comment by Tim Twerdahl, Apple’s vice president of product marketing for home and audio, it’s to do with it being too thick. Or something.