Apple's newly unveiled AirTag tracker is proving popular and that's pushing shipping dates back, but the wait is even longer for those who want their trackers engraved. As with its other products like the iPhone, iPad, and Pencil, Apple offers engraving as a free option when buyers place an order. However, the extra step in the process is causing significant shipping delivery delays for AirTag buyers.
The long-rumored AirTag was finally unveiled by Apple this week. The small round fob can be attached to or kept with different items to keep tabs on where they are, making it easier for a user to to find their keys, bag, or TV remote when they've misplaced them. The AirTag combines ultra-wideband, Bluetooth, and near-field communication technologies for ease of use and to give precise readings of its location, which can be viewed in Apple's Find My app. If the AirTag is out of range of the user's phone, iPad, or Mac, its location can be anonymously relayed to their device via the Find My network of hundreds of millions of other Apple devices.
AirTags will be available to buy from April 30, but they can be preordered now on Apple's website. While the immediate popularity of this has seen delivery dates gradually slide back further into May for those without engraving at the time of writing, it's still possible to have one delivered within the first week or so of the month. Those who want their AirTag engraved by Apple, however, will be waiting a lot longer, with quotes of 4-5 weeks currently being given. This pushes delivery dates into early June.
Why Engrave AirTags & Is It Worth The Wait?
AirTags can be engraved with up to four characters or emojis. There are two main reasons to take advantage of Apple's AirTag engraving service. The first is to personalize the device for fun and the second is to make it recognisable should it ever need to be identified after being misplaced or used, to differentiate it from other AirTags, or as part of an AirTags treasure hunt.
Whether or not buyers should wait for engraving really depends on what their AirTag is going to be used for and how soon it will be used. If, for example, if an AirTag is being bought to track luggage when traveling later this summer, then buyers may feel they're happy to wait and have the engraving done by Apple for free. If, however, someone is buying an AirTag to put inside a wallet or purse they keep losing, then it might be best to have it delivered sooner rather than later.
One final thing to consider for AirTag buyers who need their device engraved but don't have the time to wait is to have it done elsewhere. Although Apple would likely advise against it and it would incur a cost that it would otherwise not with Apple, sometimes needs must. An easier way to make the AirTag identifiable might simply be to accessorize it, though.