Apple’s AirTag has become an incredibly popular accessory for Apple users looking to keep track of their belongings. These small, coin-sized devices use Apple’s Find My network to help locate lost items, making them invaluable for those who frequently misplace keys, wallets, or even luggage. Typically priced at $99 for a 4-pack, Apple AirTags rarely see discounts—until now. Amazon is offering the 4-pack of AirTags for just $69.99 with free shipping, a rare opportunity to save nearly 30% on an Apple product.
This discount raises a few important questions: Is this the best time to buy AirTags? What are the potential use cases, and how does this discount position the AirTag in the competitive market for tracking devices? Let’s dive into the details of the deal and what it means for prospective AirTag buyers.
Why Apple AirTags Are Worth Considering
Since their debut in 2021, Apple AirTags have carved out a unique space in the Bluetooth tracker market. Unlike other trackers, such as those from Tile and Samsung’s Galaxy SmartTags, Apple AirTags leverage the extensive Find My network, which consists of millions of Apple devices worldwide. This network allows AirTags to relay their location, anonymously and securely, to nearby Apple devices, significantly increasing the chances of recovering a lost item.
The AirTag is also straightforward to set up: simply bring it near your iPhone, and it will automatically pair and start tracking through the Find My app. Additionally, with features like Precision Finding on newer iPhones (iPhone 11 and newer), users can enjoy a highly accurate directional guide when their AirTag is within Bluetooth range, enhancing the ease of locating misplaced items around the home.
These features, combined with Apple’s robust security measures to protect user privacy, make AirTags one of the most reliable and user-friendly trackers available today.
Breaking Down the Deal: Why $69.99 is a Steal
Apple products rarely go on sale, especially new releases or items without an immediate replacement in the pipeline. Seeing a 4-pack of AirTags drop to $69.99 on Amazon, down from the usual $99, is notable for a few reasons:
- Rare Discount on Apple Accessories: Apple’s brand value and control over its pricing structure mean that discounts on its products—especially in-store at Apple or its certified retailers—are few and far between. By purchasing through Amazon, buyers save approximately 29%, a significant discount compared to the usual 10–15% markdowns Apple products sometimes receive.
- Bulk Purchase Savings: Apple sells AirTags individually for $29 each, which can quickly add up if you need several tags for different items. While a single AirTag may serve one or two important items, a 4-pack allows users to comprehensively track a variety of belongings, such as keys, bags, backpacks, and even pets’ collars, for less than $18 per tag with this deal.
- Free Shipping: Amazon’s offer includes free shipping, an added bonus that brings even more value, especially for those who may be purchasing the AirTags as a holiday gift or stocking stuffer.
- Lower Than Apple Store Pricing: At $69.99, this Amazon offer is markedly lower than the Apple Store’s price. For those who prioritize Apple products, getting this level of discount without waiting for holiday or Black Friday sales is a win.
AirTags in the Competitive Tracker Market
While there are other trackers on the market, Apple AirTags have a few distinct advantages that set them apart, particularly for Apple users. However, it’s worth considering how this Amazon discount positions AirTags compared to alternatives like Tile or Samsung’s SmartTags.
Competitors’ Pricing and Features
- Tile: Tile trackers are available in a range of models with varying capabilities. For example, the Tile Mate is priced around $25 per unit, while the Tile Pro, which offers more range and louder ring volume, costs around $35. Tile also requires a separate app and offers premium features for an additional subscription fee.
- Samsung Galaxy SmartTag: Samsung’s tracker is priced similarly to the AirTag at around $30, and it functions seamlessly with Samsung devices. However, the Find My network is substantially larger than the Samsung Galaxy SmartThings network, making AirTags a better option for Apple users who want a broader tracking radius.
Apple’s AirTag doesn’t rely on a separate subscription service to access core features. In contrast, many Tile users find themselves needing a Tile Premium subscription, which starts at $2.99 per month, to unlock advanced features. Apple’s approach gives AirTags an advantage, especially for cost-conscious users.
Key Use Cases for AirTags
With the Amazon discount, a 4-pack of AirTags is now even more attractive for users with multiple items that need to be tracked. Here are a few common scenarios where AirTags shine:
- Travel and Luggage Tracking: With holiday travel season approaching, AirTags are a perfect companion for luggage tracking. Place an AirTag in a suitcase to keep track of its location during flights. Even if the airline misplaces your bag, you can keep tabs on its location and potentially expedite the recovery process.
- Everyday Essentials: Keys, wallets, and bags are the most commonly misplaced items. An AirTag on these essentials makes them easily recoverable, reducing the stress of losing such items and potentially saving time and money spent on replacing them.
- Pet Tracking: While AirTags aren’t explicitly designed for pet tracking, many users have attached them to pets’ collars for peace of mind. Although they don’t replace dedicated GPS pet trackers, they provide a helpful backup for locating pets if they roam nearby.
- Shared or Borrowed Items: If you lend out items like a backpack or equipment, attaching an AirTag ensures you’ll know where they are. The Find My app can notify you if an item is left behind, reminding you to retrieve your belongings.
- Home Organization: AirTags can also assist in keeping track of stored items in larger households. Place an AirTag on storage boxes, remote controls, or tools that you don’t use daily but would need quick access to when required.
Potential Drawbacks and Privacy Concerns
While AirTags are generally well-received, they are not without some controversies. Privacy concerns have emerged since their release, as some people have reported cases of AirTags being used to track individuals without consent. Apple has responded by introducing safety alerts, notifying iPhone users if an unknown AirTag is moving with them.
It’s also worth noting that Android users won’t have as seamless of an experience with AirTags since they are designed to work best within the Apple ecosystem. Non-iPhone users can still detect AirTags through Apple’s Tracker Detect app, but they won’t have access to the same integrated Find My experience as iPhone users.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy the Amazon Deal?
For Apple users who have been waiting for a price drop on AirTags, the current $69.99 deal on Amazon is one of the best times to make a purchase. The price reduction makes the AirTags more accessible and adds value for users with multiple belongings to track, whether it’s for daily essentials or seasonal travel. This discount, combined with AirTag’s high functionality and security features, solidifies its position as the best tracker for Apple users.
If you’re on the fence about getting into the Apple ecosystem’s tracking devices, this deal might be the perfect opportunity to experience AirTags’ benefits without paying the full price.
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