Vratislav Holub In a few weeks, AirTag will celebrate its first birthday. Apple specifically introduced this smart locator on April 20, 2021 together with the 24″ iMac and iPad Pro with the M1 chip. Apple fans have been talking about a possible second generation since the presentation itself, when users express their opinions about what news they would like to see in this case. Therefore, let's take a look together at a few changes that would definitely suit AirTags. There are certainly not a few of them.
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Jiří Filip Thread hole
One of the biggest shortcomings of current AirTags is their design. The locator lacks a hole to thread through, which would make it possible to attach the AirTag practically immediately to keys, for example. In such a case, apple pickers are simply out of luck and are thus directly condemned to purchase additional accessories in the form of a loop or a key ring. But let's pour some clear wine, although these loops and key chains are quite nice, it is not twice as nice to have a locator, which in itself is, with a bit of an exaggeration, useless.
AirTag in practice
The whole problem could be solved relatively easily. Of course, Apple would be deprived of income from the sale of the aforementioned accessories, but on the other hand, it would clearly please the users themselves. Moreover, if we look at any competition, we will almost always see a loophole. After all, that's why it would be nice to see this change in the case of the second generation. AirTag literally needs it like salt.
Size
AirTags are quite satisfactory for their size. This is because it is a relatively small wheel that can be easily hidden in, for example, a backpack, or attached to keys via a key chain or loop. On the other hand, some would certainly be pleased if other size versions came as well. Specifically, the Cupertino giant could be inspired by its competition, namely the Tile Slim model, which takes the form of a payment card. Thanks to this, this locator can be easily hidden in a wallet and reliably located without having to have the round AirTag sticking out rather uncomfortably.
Some apple users also mention that they would like to reduce the entire localization pendant a bit further into an imaginary mini version. However, there are many question marks over this step, and it is therefore rather unlikely.
Better Accurate Search
AirTag is equipped with an ultra-wideband U1 chip, thanks to which it can be located with a compatible iPhone equipped with the same chip with great accuracy. If we cannot find the locator inside our house, then locating it on maps is of course useless. In this case, we can play a sound on it, or with the iPhone 11 (and later) search for it exactly, when the native Find application will navigate us in the right direction. In practice, it resembles the popular children's game Only Water.
Accurate search in practice
However, some users complain about the relatively small range in which Precise Search is functional. Instead, they would appreciate a slight improvement in range, even doubling in the very best case scenario. Of course, the question is how much such a change is even realistic, and whether in such a case it would not be necessary to replace the ultra-broadband chip itself, not only in AirTag, but also in iPhones.
Family sharing
A number of apple growers would clearly welcome a better connection of AirTags with family sharing, which could significantly simplify their use within the household. In particular, there were requests for the possibility of sharing them. Something similar would find its use, for example, in the case of tracking animal collars, bags, umbrellas and a number of other common things that are often shared in families.
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Adam Kos Better protection from children
Shortly after AirTags hit retailers' shelves, one of their shortcomings began to be addressed in Australia. The seller there even pulled them from sale because they are supposed to be dangerous for children. It's all about the battery. It is supposed to be easily accessible, which increases the risk of children swallowing it. These concerns were also confirmed by various reviews, according to which the battery is really easily accessible and you don't even need any force to open the cover. This shortcoming could be relatively easily solved by securing it with a cross screw. A screwdriver is probably on hand in every household, and it would be a relatively functional safeguard against the aforementioned children. Of course, the introduction of other alternatives is also appropriate.
I would also like a diode for visual notification.