Apple AirTags already have a major design issue

Apple AirTags already have a major pattern consequence

(Image credit: Apple tree)

Apple AirTags are finally available for pre-gild, but yous might want to concur off on ownership ane later a slew of reviewers take criticised the device for being a magnet for scuffs and scratches.

The AirTag was unveiled at the Apple tree Spring Loaded upshot this week, aslope the iPad Pro 2021, iMac 2021, and new Apple tree Boob tube. Kitted out with ultra wideband connectivity, the $29 gizmo is lightweight, meaty, and can even be engraved with your option of characters or emoji. But its plastic and chrome surfaces are susceptible to a flurry of scratches, dings, and other marks that could make you think twice before ordering one.

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The Verge'due south Dieter Bohn tweeted a photo of his AirTag sporting a multitude of marks. These were nowadays after only "a few hours of handling." He adds that usage wasn't "excessive," and while some clothing and tear is expected, the timeframe it took for the tracker to get into this state is "pretty weird!"

Tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee agreed, showing a picture of his own AirTag, similarly scratched, with the caption "major same." You can take a look at the scuffed-up AirTags beneath.

Of course, you could opt to pick upwardly a example for the tracker, merely the designs still go out the chrome and plastic exposed. Begetting in mind that some people will apply the tracker on their keyring (equally demonstrated in Apple's AirTag ad), it'southward inevitably going to scratched and scuffed past metallic. Nevertheless, you might await the torso to concord up a little better, given that Apple tree knows the AirTag's intended purpose.

Taking into account the prices of other trackers on the market, the AirTag is amongst the cheapest offerings. This is even more impressive considering it has both Bluetooth and UWB. Tile Mate is the cheapest, and features Bluetooth connectivity only — as does the pricier Tile Pro.

Realistically, no one should be expecting the AirTag to remain pristine for very long. This goes doubly for those of you lot wanting to keep rail of your pointy, metal keys. The case may offering some protection, just if you're because pre-ordering, you demand to resign yourself to the reality of toting around a mussed-up Apple production from the offset.

The Apple AirTag is available for pre-order now and launches on April 30. Y'all can pick up a unmarried device for $29, or a pack of four for $99.

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Shabana is T3's News Editor covering tech and gaming, and has been writing almost video games for nearly a decade (and playing them since forever). Likewise equally contributing to Tom'due south Guide, she's had bylines at major gaming sites during her freelance career earlier settling down at T3, and has podcasts, streaming, and video content under her chugalug to kick. Outside of work, she also plays video games and should actually think about expanding her hobbies.