Apple AirTags release date, design: What’s its purpose and why it’s very likely to launch in 2021

There was one more Apple product that was making headlines in 2020 but did not appear in any of the company’s virtual product launch events -- the Apple AirTags. However, based on previous leaks, 2021 could finally be the time for its official launch.

Apple AirTags design, features: How is it different than Tile trackers

The simplest way to imagine how the AirTags would function is by looking at how the Tile Bluetooth trackers work. Apple’s unannounced product is expected to be a small device that can be put in keychains, wallets, and purses. Once any of those are misplaced or went missing, their owners can then track them through Apple’s Find My App.

AirTags’ design may have already been leaked by Jon Prosser last fall when he released its 3D renders, which he said was based on the videos and images of the actual device sent to him by his sources. Unlike Tile trackers, the AirTags is reportedly round and has no marking or logo on the front side. The leak shows the front would just be a plain, all-white surface, but the back has a metal finishing where Apple’s logo and other information appear to be engraved.

Also, unlike Tile, the rumored design of AirTags does not have holes in them where a keychain ring could be attached. Prosser explained that this is because separate keychains will have to be purchased separately.

As for its features, people can expect the AirTags to have something that makes it uniquely designed to function for Apple’s hardware ecosystem. In this case, it is the ultrawide band-powered U1 chip. It is expected to power the tracker aside from Bluetooth, and it is expected to allow for more precise location tracking.

Apple AirTags release date very likely in 2021

With more leaks and reports about the AirTags emerging online in the last quarter of 2020, it seemed possible for the tracker to be launched at last. However, that was not the case.

Prosser reported that the AirTags “have been done and ready,” along with the over-ear AirPods Max that launched earlier this month. The leaker, who is usually right about these things, added that there are no more issues with the production of the AirTags, and it now just boils down to when Apple thinks it is best to announce the product. With these things considered, anytime in 2021 seems like a chance for the company to finally launch the AirTags.

Featured photo by Yue Iris on Unsplash