While I likedthe AirTags overall, theyre flawed.
Because the product and the Find My service are ushering in a whole new Apple era.
To understand why this is the case, we need to understand a few things.
Specifically, why and how Apple has gone about releasing the AirTags.
Ive had Apple products stolen in the past and the service did nothing to help me out.
It’s free, every week, in your inbox.
Its implementation tends towards the scattershot.
Take the AirPods Pro for example.
The issue is this only worksif the AirPods themselves are out of the case.
This is typical of Apples approach to Find My: half-assed and nonsensical.
Theres no reason why the AirPods Pro shouldnt bleep whether theyre in the case or out.
Find My has suddenly become far more useful since the arrival of the AirTags.
In my mind, theyre the first product that actually work well with the service,despite their flaws.
But this raises another question…
Why did Apple bother releasing the AirTags?
The simple answer to this is money.
Apple has a multitude of fans thatll buy anything the company makes.
AirTags provide the company revenue and, in turn, this will increase stock price.
But theres more to it than that.
To understandthisthough, we need to ask one more question.
I know, I know dont look at me like that.
So why has Apple chosen 2021 to release the AirTags and beef up its Find My service?
The AirTags have an interesting history.
The Leather Keyring says 2019.
First AirTag leak was back in 2019.
Lets consider the first point.
This chip made its debut in Apples iPhone 11 range, devices that were released in 2019.
But the uproar over Apples Find My web connection has been generally muted.
People seem comfortable, or even excited, about this feature.
Which is strange when you consider the fact that its a bonafide tracking web connection.
The reason for the acceptance?
Apples recent focus on turningprivacy into a product.
We believe the company is doing the right thing.
Can you imagine what would happen if Facebook or Google released the same product?
It would not get a reception like this.
Now we understand why Apple released the AirTags in 2021, we can circle back to the original question.
I expect that in the next few years, every Apple gadget will have AirTag technology built in.
One of the biggest selling points of Apple devices is how they work together.
But AirTags are different.
Im directly benefitting from people around me carrying Apple gear.
Conclusion
Its interesting to see how Apples privacy strategy is panning out.
And you know what?
Its hard to be mad when so much of it is so good.
