In January, we saw a few promotional images for third-party AirTags accessories from both Nomad and Spigen’s Cyrill brands, and while Apple’s item trackers aren’t yet to launch, we’re now seeing more signs of similar accessories starting to appear in the wild.
An increasing number of sellers on eBay, Walmart, Etsy and other online marketplaces are now listing AirTags holders for sale as details about the device continue to spread.
/article-new/2021/04/airtags-straps-featured.jpg?resize=560%2C315&ssl=1)
MacRumors also received a few images of a particularly interesting set of straps that our source says are made from a similar material to the fluoroelastomer that Apple uses for its Apple Watch Sport straps. The design of the strap appears to have a snap closure to secure the AirTag and a short strap with an opening on the other end so that the strap can be attached to an object to be tracked.
/article-new/2021/04/airtags-strap-2.jpg?resize=560%2C560&ssl=1)
An image of a very similar but not identical design was shared on Weibo today by leaker UnclePan (via DuanRuiThis design seems to rely on the elasticity of the strap rather than a click to hold the AirTag in place.
/article-new/2021/04/airtags-straps-3.jpg?resize=560%2C747&ssl=1)
The increasing number of third-party AirTags accessories comes just before Apple’s “Spring Loaded” event tomorrow, although it is still unknown if the accessory will appear at the event. The first hints from AirTags surfaced in leaked code two years ago and have yet to be officially revealed, but information about them is clearly circulating among accessory manufacturers.
Apple’s infrastructure to support AirTags is already in place as the company launched its Find My network accessory program earlier this month that allows third-party devices such as Belkin earbuds, Chipolo item trackers and VanMoof e-bikes directly into the Find My app can be tracked. .
AirTags are expected to work in exactly the same way, except with Ultra Wideband U1 chip support that allows for greater accuracy than standard Bluetooth and even an augmented reality experience to lead you directly to a lost item.