Cases And Accessories

Which gadgets help the Apple AirTags?

Apple has finally launched its own object tracker – the AirTag. If you’ve used an object tracker like the one Tile sells before, you know the basics. However, Apple has also equipped the AirTag with support for ultra-broadband technology – thanks to the U1 chip it contains – for more accurate location tracking. This coin-sized device costs $ 29 per resident (or $ 99 for a bundle of four) and will go on sale later this month. But before they hit the shelves, you need to be wondering about the compatibility part.

The answer is iPhones, iPads, and iPods. However, the Apple device you’re rocking must be running iOS 14.5, which will be released later this month. Fortunately, you don’t necessarily have to have the latest iPhone to use the AirTag. This can be seen from the full list of devices compatible with the Apple Object Tracker:

iPhone 12 iPhone 12 Mini iPhone 12 Pro iPhone 12 Pro max
iPhone 11 iPhone 11 Pro iPhone 11 Pro max iPhone XS
iPhone XS max iPhone XR iPhone XR iPhone X.
iPhone 8 iPhone 8 Plus iPhone 7 iPhone 7 Plus
iPhone 6S iPhone 6S Plus iPhone SE Gen 1 iPhone SE Gen 2
iPad Pro 12.9 inches
(4th generation)
iPad Pro 12.9 inches
(3rd generation)
iPad Pro 11 inch
(2nd generation)
iPad Pro 11 inch
(1st generation)
iPad Pro 12.9 inches
(1st and 2nd generation)
iPad Pro 10.5 inches iPad Pro 9.7 inches iPad Air 2
iPad Air (3rd.
Generation)
iPad Air (4th generation) iPad mini 4 iPad mini (5th.
Generation)
iPad (6th generation) iPad (7 ..
Generation)
iPad (8th generation) iPod Touch (7th generation)

Only the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 series support AirTag’s precision finding function

Now there is a caveat here. Not all AirTag functions are supported by the above devices. The best example is Precision Finding, which uses the U1 chip in the AirTag to locate objects using ultra-wideband technology for more accurate positioning. However, you must own an iPhone model that also comes with a U1 chip. According to Apple, only devices in the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 series currently support Precision Finding. However, later this year, the iPhone 13 series will also be added to the compatibility list.

The AirTag is only compatible with Apple devices and not Android phones mainly because it works once linked to the Find My app. The aforementioned app isn’t available for Android phones and tablets yet – and it probably won’t be released in the near future either. However, if you have an Android phone with NFC support, it might have very limited but useful interaction with the Apple Object Tracker.

Get an Android phone with NFC and be a good Samaritan for AirTag owners!

Apple created a Lost Mode that can help you find an AirTag that is out of reach. So if you come across an AirTag in the wild and happen to have an Android phone with an NFC chip, you can just tap the phone in the tracker to open a lost mode message. This lost mode message will take you to a website that will display the AirTag owner’s contact number so you can reach them and help them find the lost item tracker and the item it is connected to.

The lost mode notification that appears after you tap your NFC-enabled phone (both iPhone and Android) with an improperly placed AirTag

If an AirTag moves with you and makes noise after being put in Lost Mode by its owner, you can tap your NFC-enabled Android phone to turn off the tracking device after following the on-screen instructions. That way, you’ll also find the information you need to send it back to the person who originally lost it.

Sure, the AirTag is useful if you frequently misplace items like your wallet or car keys, but shielding your phone is just as important. If you happen to own an iPhone 12, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the best cases to help protect your shiny phone from accidents and keep it in pristine condition.

Nadeem Sarwar

I’ve been writing about consumer technology for over three years, having worked with names like NDTV and Beebom in the past. Leaving the latest news aside, I’ve checked out my fair share of devices that range from smartphones and laptops to smart home devices. I’ve also interviewed tech managers and appeared as a presenter on YouTube videos talking about the latest and greatest gadgets.

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