AirTags work by using Bluetooth technology to help you locate lost items through Apple's Find My network. Here's how they function in detail:
- An AirTag emits a secure, encrypted Bluetooth signal that can be detected by any nearby Apple device (iPhone, iPad, or Mac) within the Find My network. These devices anonymously pick up the AirTag's signal and send its location data to iCloud
- This location information is then accessible to the AirTag owner via the Find My app, where they can see the AirTag's current or last known location on a map
- The entire process is designed to protect privacy: the location data and history are never stored on the AirTag itself, and the devices relaying the location remain anonymous with encrypted data transmission, so not even Apple knows the AirTag's exact location or the identity of the relaying device
- If an AirTag is marked as lost, it enters Lost Mode. When detected by a device in the network, the owner automatically receives a notification. Additionally, someone who finds the AirTag can tap it with an NFC-capable smartphone to get the owner's contact information if the owner has enabled this feature
- AirTags also have anti-stalking measures. If an AirTag that is not yours is detected traveling with you, your iPhone will alert you. If you don’t find the AirTag after some time, it will emit a sound to notify you of its presence
- AirTags do not use GPS themselves; instead, they rely on the vast network of Apple devices to provide location data. This makes the system efficient in terms of battery life and data usage
- The AirTag contains a small speaker to play sounds for locating it, a replaceable coin-cell battery lasting over a year, Bluetooth for communication, and Apple's U1 chip for precise directional finding with compatible iPhones
In summary, AirTags leverage Bluetooth signals and the extensive Find My network of Apple devices worldwide to securely and anonymously relay their location to their owners, enabling easy tracking of lost items while maintaining privacy and security
