Time Capsule turns Apple's AirTag into a rugged tracker with 10 years of battery life

[Shawn Knight]

In a nutshell: Apple AirTags are a great way to keep tabs on physical items, but they aren't perfect. Battery life from the coin cell battery is rated at more than a year under normal use and while they are easy to replace, doing so annually can be a hassle – especially if it is an AirTag you don't use on a regular basis or you have several to manage.

The latest creation out of Elevation Lab solves this issue and more but introduces its own set of compromises.

The Time Capsule is an Apple AirTag accessory that promises to extend battery life up to a full decade. To use it, simply remove your AirTag's back plate and the coin cell battery and place the entire unit on the contact points inside the Time Capsule. Then, install two AA batteries and screw the cover closed. Elevation Lab recommends Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries to maximize runtime, but any pair of AA batteries should suffice.

As mentioned, the Time Capsule is not a perfect solution either. The enhanced tracker is far larger and heavier than a standard AirTag. It does, however, bring full waterproofing (IP69) to the table. For reference, a retail AirTag is only splash, water, and dust resistant with a rating of IP67.

There is also the added cost. The battery case retails for $19.99, plus you will need to factor in the cost of whatever AA batteries you install. This cost is somewhat offset by not having to buy a new coin cell battery every year for your stock AirTag. The energy consumption difference equates to two AA batteries once every decade versus one coin cell every year.

Those interested in picking up a Time Capsule can do so over on Amazon. Units are in stock as of this writing and can arrive in time for the holidays, making this a great stocking stuffer. Apple AirTags start at $29 each, or $99 for a four-pack, and come with free engraving. A four-pack of Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries will set you back $12.99.

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Time Capsule turns Apple's AirTag into a rugged tracker with 10 years of battery life

 

[stewi0001]

There is also the added cost. The battery case retails for $19.99, plus you will need to factor in the cost of whatever AA batteries you install in it. You'd also have to buy a new coin cell battery every year for your AirTag, so be sure to factor that into the equation as well.

Might want to rephrase this part. My impression, when I first read it, is that you still have to get a coin cell battery every year.

 

[Cal Jeffrey]

Might want to rephrase this part. My impression, when I first read it, is that you still have to get a coin cell battery every year.

Heh. I just noticed that, too. Fixed.

 

[NumberNine]

Still not interested in giving Apple more data.
I know where my stuff is.

 

[Antias]

Make sure you don't buy AA batteries that leak... 10 years is a long time between changes and opening up after so long may result in dangerously leaked batteries... (like so many old gadgets and remote controls I've opened over the years)

 

[gdavid65]

Sold.. great for hiding in the car, boat, or in a travel bag and leaving it there.. forever (well long enough)

 

[MarkHughes]

Does one have to be in the Apple ecosystem to use these airtags? Can they be used from an Android phone or Windows/Linux laptop ?

I'm thinking of using them in my cars.

 

[MannFredMann]

If this company had their head on straight - they would have added a USB-C charging port and made the unit compatible with rechargeable batteries (up to 3000 mAh for like 16 bucks on the 'zon). Usless ideas.

 

[Dany85]

Good informative

 

[TommyBoyFL]

Seems like something you could easily 3d print and add some wires to.

 

[Edster]

Make sure you don't buy AA batteries that leak... 10 years is a long time between changes and opening up after so long may result in dangerously leaked batteries... (like so many old gadgets and remote controls I've opened over the years)

Yeah, the article is wrong when it implied any AA battery is fine; it likely won't be. A reason why we see AA lithium batteries, and recommended by manufacturer, rather than alkaline is due to lower chance of leakage. Underuse is a problem for old AA batteries, don't imagine a coin cell be sufficient.

But bets the question, why not just use an inbuilt lithium battery in the first place, but that probably aversely affect their price point and adds complexity to the manufacturing. After all, all this is is a waterproof shell with some wiring.