Apple could finally launch 'AirTags' in October
Apple's long-rumored "AirTags" may finally launch before the end of 2020, with a report claiming Apple will be launching the item-tracking accessories during an event in late October.

AirTag Mockup
Apple is preparing to launch the "iPhone 12" in an online event in the coming weeks, and as is typical for the event, Apple is anticipated to also launch other products at the same time. According to one report, one of the products in question could be "AirTags."
An unknown Chinese supplier provided information to Mac Otakara that Apple was getting ready to publicly announce the product during the "iPhone 12" event, alongside a new "Apple Watch Series 6."
The same source also alleged the usual September event would take place later than planned, with it predicted to happen in the second half of October. Other rumors have suggested similar October timing for the "iPhone 12" launch, though others have also put forward the idea that the event will continue in September as usual.
"AirTags" were originally believed to be prepared for launch earlier in 2020, but that was pulled due to circumstances beyond Apple's control, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Leaks such as details buried inside iOS 14 also suggest a launch is happening soon.
The accessory is intended to help users find lost items, and is thought to resemble a small disc that can attach to objects, such as a keychain. Using the Find My app, users will be able to take advantage of the built-in U1 chip and ultra-wideband signals to find where the tag and connected item are located, in a similar manner to how a misplaced iPhone or iPad could be relocated.
Rumors have pointed to the use of an augmented reality-style interface, where users can view an icon on a real-time view of the room to see where the tag should be in physical space.
The system would also work out in the world without needing a cellular connection or GPS in the tag itself, by silently pinging iPhones with U1 chips passing nearby the tag without notifying the tag or iPhone owners. Secured with encryption, the pings would help determine the AirTag's location for the owner when they check the Find My app.

AirTag Mockup
Apple is preparing to launch the "iPhone 12" in an online event in the coming weeks, and as is typical for the event, Apple is anticipated to also launch other products at the same time. According to one report, one of the products in question could be "AirTags."
An unknown Chinese supplier provided information to Mac Otakara that Apple was getting ready to publicly announce the product during the "iPhone 12" event, alongside a new "Apple Watch Series 6."
The same source also alleged the usual September event would take place later than planned, with it predicted to happen in the second half of October. Other rumors have suggested similar October timing for the "iPhone 12" launch, though others have also put forward the idea that the event will continue in September as usual.
"AirTags" were originally believed to be prepared for launch earlier in 2020, but that was pulled due to circumstances beyond Apple's control, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Leaks such as details buried inside iOS 14 also suggest a launch is happening soon.
The accessory is intended to help users find lost items, and is thought to resemble a small disc that can attach to objects, such as a keychain. Using the Find My app, users will be able to take advantage of the built-in U1 chip and ultra-wideband signals to find where the tag and connected item are located, in a similar manner to how a misplaced iPhone or iPad could be relocated.
Rumors have pointed to the use of an augmented reality-style interface, where users can view an icon on a real-time view of the room to see where the tag should be in physical space.
The system would also work out in the world without needing a cellular connection or GPS in the tag itself, by silently pinging iPhones with U1 chips passing nearby the tag without notifying the tag or iPhone owners. Secured with encryption, the pings would help determine the AirTag's location for the owner when they check the Find My app.

Comments
Unlike other solutions, AirTags supposedly would benefit from the virtual network of billions of idevices around the globe to exactly (YET privately) relocate your tagged items
The Airtag will be a Tile on steroids, pinging every iPhone within range through the "Find My" framework. It'll be nearly as effective as a GPS tracker, but without subscription fees, cellular access, or a battery that needs recharging every two weeks.
Once people get an idea what Airtags are capable of, I expect that they'll be hidden in just about any object that is worth protecting. I further expect that the functionality of an Airtag will eventually be incorporated into the electronics of trucks, automobiles, motorcycles, etc. Sure, you could rip out the electronics of a car and render it untrackable (and non-functional), but that isn't something that a car thief is going to do if he wants a working vehicle. You can also expect a lot of companies to sell products to assist you in securely hiding an Airtag on / in a vehicle.
Where I live, we have an ongoing epidemic of gang members stealing cars, driving them while committing more crimes, then abandoning each vehicle for another stolen car. Airtags are going to upend that cycle. When your average car owner is able to immediately share the latest location update of his or her stolen vehicle with the police, it's going to be a whole lot tougher for the criminals to move around the city.
I always assumed that Amazon would do this first, by tying in some sort of tracker with their Ring doorbell system. But despite rumors of a Ring tracker, it has never happened. Now Apple is going to dominate this market, thanks to the popularity of the iPhone.
Hey, maybe it's like BASF's old tagline "At BASF, we don't make a lot of the products you buy, we make a lot of the products you buy better." That's okay, and if it's better enough to move a lot of new folks towards using a capability that they otherwise would not have considered, better yet. Like I said, I'm eager to see what Apple does and how they make it unique within the scope of what Apple alone is capable of doing.
I was soon gifted a small Tile set by said family member as a birthday present. I was impressed and soon bought more. Now I have them in my jackets, brief case, backpack, key ring, wallet, and luggage.
They come in different sizes with some smaller slimmer and less conspicuous and others larger and louder.
The software is set up to remind me that I left an item behind and where it was last "seen."
Also I can see my i-devices in the Tile App as well.
I can see room for improvement.
I know the police have used the Find My iPhone feature to aid in finding stolen iPhones. A friend had this happen. Whether PD will use Tile or Tags in finding things or stolen remains to be seen.
What is really nice is seeing that missing keys or whatever are in a known location and either are already safe or a phone call away to a friend, associate or business to secure the item.
Having invested in and learned in Tile EcoSystem, I'll be better able to assess the functionality of the Apple Tags if they are ever released and whether to transition to them is likely to be worth while.
If the Apple Tag will be able to transparently and and securely use the vast network of iPhones would be amazing; but, I have to admit I'm skeptical; even more so if the devices catch on just based on the volume of things.
If the Airtag does no better than a Tile in terms of network coverage, then Apple is wasting their time bringing them to market. That isn't a mistake Apple typically makes. I'm betting that the Airtag will in fact leverage the "Find My" network very effectively, so that every iPhone, iPad, and MacBook will add to the coverage. Assuming the Airtag fits into Apple's long-term strategy for augmented reality, then we may see some real "gee whiz" demonstrations of their capabilities.
Then it becomes a question of value, compared with the price of the tag, as well as the potential hassle of keeping it charged.
So this would definitely go into my regularly used bags, some computer cases/protection, maybe a jacket; and definitely on my keychain. In total maybe just five tags, at most.
I’m not a pessimist, just being realistic here... not sure how these items protect anyone from having anything of value from being stolen.
I expect/hope that Apple embeds this tech into the AirPod case. First, because I need it, but second because it will be a great demo for everyone about how useful this can be.
When fingerprint readers and FAceID were introduced there were lots of scenarios suggested for lifting fingerprints, or making 3D masks, or even cutting off someone's finger to defeat those security measures. The reality is that none of that is worth the risk or effort in all but the weirdest of cases.
It's not about making theft impossible; it's about making it less likely to succeed.