Is the Apple AirTag worth it? Here's what to know

Keeping track of your belongings has never been easier in the digital age. A popular hack and a big trend for keeping your items safe is through the use of a Bluetooth tracker.

Enter: the Apple Airtag and its second-generation design. But what exactly is it? How does it keep your items tracked, and is that data itself safe?

We're here to answer those questions and let you in on why exactly these little gadgets will be the perfect companion on your next holiday.

NOTE: Prices are accurate at the time of publishing.

Apple AirTag at a glance...

Single | $45.354-pack | $155.90

What is an AirTag?

The Apple AirTag is a tracking device small enough to attach to items like your keys and easy enough to attach to bigger bags and belongings.

The AirTag was released in its second generation earlier this year in January, and it features enhanced range, security, findability and usability.

Each AirTag weighs 11.8 grams and has a splash, water and dust resistance of IP 67.

How does an AirTag work?

Apple Airtags can be paired with your iPhone or iPad using iOS or iPadOS 26.0 and your Apple Watch using watchOS 26.2.1. Your AirTag will be identifiable on the 'Find My' app thereafter.

For your misplaced belongings nearby, the AirTag will help you identify exactly where it is, viewable via Find My. Each AirTag also features built-in speakers that can be used to ping where your items are.

For items left far behind, the AirTag emits a secure Bluetooth signal that is detected by other Apple Devices interconnected using Bluetooth to approximate the location of the lost belonging.

AirTags can also be set to 'Lost Mode', just like your other Apple devices. Then, when the AirTag is identified by a device in the network, you'll get a notification sent to you.

If someone finds your AirTag, you can allow your contact information to be shared with their device when they tap it on the back of their phone.

The information is then transferred to their phone using the same NFC technology used to pay for items when shopping and paying with your phone

Still can't find your item? Up to five people can be permanently added to see the AirTag, and you can also temporarily share the location of your Apple AirTag with others to help you find it, including airlines like Qantas.

Is the AirTag waterproof and durable?

If you're worried about dropping your AirTag in water or you've lost your luggage in the rain, there's some better news than the lost belongings.

The Apple AirTag is water and dust-resistant with a rating of IP67, surviving a maximum depth of one metre for up to 30 minutes.

If you're curious about longevity, the battery lasts for more than a year, and your iPhone alerts you when it needs to be replaced.

Is the AirTag safe to use?

The data and location of your belongings, chained with the AirTag, will be kept safe and anonymous thanks to Apple encryption every step of the way.

It also works to discourage unwanted tracking. So if someone else's AirTag is unknowingly placed on your luggage, your iPhone will notice and send you an alert.

What is the difference between the original AirTag and the second generation?

The second-generation AirTag is powered by Apple's latest Ultraband chip.

This allows for a more precise experience, letting the tag identify items up to 50 per cent further away and also projecting sound 50 per cent louder than the first generation.

Apple Watch users with a Series 9 or later can also use 'Precision Finding' directly on their watch to locate their belongings.

Finally, Apple has partnered with more than 50 airlines to help you locate lost items via a sharing item location feature in the Find My app.

Are Apple AirTags worth it?

If you are in the Apple ecosystem and you want a secure way to keep track of your belongings while travelling or commuting, then an Apple AirTag can be worth it for the peace of mind.

You can purchase them individually or in a pack of four if you're looking to tag multiple items or give them to your friends and family.

Shop accessories and alternatives

Apple AirTag

Single | $45.354-pack | $155.90

Apple AirTag FineWoven Key Ring

From $46.56

Belkin Secure Holder with Strap for AirTag

Now $49.95

Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 4-pack

Was $169, now $75.31

Tile Mate Bluetooth Tracker 4 Pack

Yours for $139.95

READ MORE: I'll never lose anything again thanks to this little piece of tech