Apple’s rumored location beacon technology, the AirTag may finally be nearing release. That is, if accessory manufacturers are correct, as at least two have products coming soon. A keychain and an eyewear retainer have leaked from one manufacturer, and a clip is already available to pre-order from another.
AirTag beacon rumors and leaks have been regular over the last several months and various bits of information on possible use cases have been suggested by Apple patent documents. More than just a Bluetooth location tracker, an AirTag uses ultra-wideband technology to provide more accurate distance and heading to any device that contains a U1 chip. The U1 can be found in the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12, as well as the Apple Watch Series 6 and HomePod mini. Orientation information can also be received from an AirTag, making the devices potentially useful for augmented reality gaming, as well as in the sports and medical fields.
An AirTag accessory already available to pre-order is the Wairco AirTag Snap Case. Currently priced at $19, but bundled with a $10 gift card, the effective price is $10. The shipping date is estimated to be spring of 2021. The Wairco Snap Case includes a clip and the manufacturer suggests that it can be attached to clothing, though, it seems it could work with anything of a similar thickness. Perhaps it would be useful for keeping track of an important notepad or journal. Information about the second accessory company making AirTag accessories comes in a new leak by Evan Blass. Apparently, Nomad has at least two products coming for the AirTag, a leather keychain and an eyewear retainer in the form of a braided cord with rubber ends to hold the earpieces of glasses. No pricing or release dates were given.
AirTag Accessories & Possibilities
This may be just the beginning of what could be a flood of AirTag accessories to come. Apple patent documents have indicated the possible uses of the AirTag are quite varied. Location beacons for finding misplaced items with an iPhone is the most mundane, but still useful. Attaching several AirTag locators to the limbs of the human body could allow tracking the motion for medical and sports analysis. The same technique used for gaming may also allow a virtual character to be easily controlled by the player’s physical actions. This would mean various types of bands, straps and harnesses could appear as accessories.
The AirTag may also serve as a physical representation of a virtual game piece, making handles or chess pieces another accessory possibility. If an AirTag was used as a virtual controller, placing one or more in a steering wheel or game controller might also be useful. Mounting an AirTag is another possibility, making for other accessory opportunities. Rather than the locator moving, this would provide a static position that could be located with an iPhone or Apple Watch. For example, helping users navigate to points of interest. With so much potential, the anticipation for these devices has grown over the last several months. If these accessory makers have some insight, perhaps the wait for the Apple AirTag may be over soon.
Source: Evan Blass/Voice, Wairco