Apple’s AirTags does not have a built-in keychain loop, and we have some ideas

After years of rumors, Apple’s new AirTag trackers are finally here. The $ 29 trackers work with Apple’s Find My Network, which helps owners track anything from their bag keys using both Bluetooth and UWB technology.

But the design of the new trackers is somewhat controversial: Unlike most Bluetooth trackers, Apple’s iteration does not include a built-in key ring loop. The subsequent debate shattered the peace The Reporter DoorThere is a news room on whether some of Apple’s Spartan design is luxurious or bogus. At least, between the two most gentiles Report door Staff, John Porter and Cham Gartenberg.

Image: Apple

John Porter, reporter: Argue me, coward

Cham Gartenberg, News Editor: Gladly!

John: Let’s start with a point on which we would definitely agree: the airtag battery is worth looking at, it’s a relief to see. It seems like such a basic point, but looking at Apple’s track record with its AirPods, Magic Mouse, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, MacBook line, Magic Keyboard – the wait does something else. Apple has a replaceable battery. The – This was not a guarantee. The tile’s kitchen-centric mate and pro trackers have removable batteries, but its sticker (which is a very similar factor to the airtag) does not.

Cham: I’ll grant you that an easily accessible, user-replaceable battery is always a good thing. And overall, the overall aesthetics of the AirTags are good, with a two-tone shiny white plastic / chrome, reminding me of older iPods. But the overly sleek Apple design highlights the biggest issue I have here: no built-in loops or holes to attach a key ring.

AirTag is a product designed to track your keys, and yet it really gives no way to keep yourself out of those keys, something that is practically tile, chipolo, and Almost every other Bluetooth tracker from the last decade has table bets. .

John: I hear you, but I think Apple’s approach is better. This means that it can sell just one version of the airtag, to track whatever you want, rather than selling various devices, whether you want to track your keys, or your bike, or your jacket. Just buy an AirTag and buy whatever accessory you need to attach it to. And for what it’s worth, I really like the design of the small holder accessory they are selling to attach the airtag to a set of keys.

Cham: The price of that small kitchen accessory is $ 35, which is More than a whole AirTag

. Even Apple’s cheapest airtag case, a $ 30 plastic loop, doesn’t look like it would be useful to attach to the key. This is just Apple’s distinctive accessory tax, forced on the function useful to customers because of its deliberate choice of aesthetic form.

And don’t get me started on Hermes stuff …

John: Ok ok, I’m not going to argue that the $ 349 Hermes ring isn’t incredibly stupid, and it would be nice if the leather key ring actually included an airtag at that price. Setup is very expensive, period, and it is expected that third-party subsidiary manufacturers will step in to fill the demand for cheap kitchen holders.

But more importantly, I think that separating the take bit from the holder bit makes sense for an accessory that is facing so much abuse every day. The keys can be sharp, and they kill anything that shares a pocket with them, so I’d prefer it if the thing is beaten to a holder rather than a core piece of technology.

Look at a tile key fob tracker that’s been in use for a few years, and it sounds serious as hell. I wouldn’t be surprised if some people replace the entire device when the battery runs out, simply because they can get a shiny new tracker. But when your airtag keychain inevitably starts to get worse for wear, you just replace the holder with a tracker instead.

Cham: These are all valid points, but you are ignoring the fact that these accessories and protective matters can be present in everyone. Without this Including cutouts to connect the main ring directly. There is already a similar cottage industry of accessories for tile trackers who want them, and with Apple’s marketing power behind it, there is no reason to think that Airtag eclipsed that level of interest from subsidiary manufacturers Would not have done, even if it was a cutout for a key ring.

Not that the cases are bad – Apple’s leather option sounds great and is almost certainly a much stronger option than my imaginary cutout. But customers would do well to make that choice, rather than forcing them to have an option that requires spending more money right from the start.