Here's what happens when your Apple AirTag goes out of range for more than three days

On Tuesday, Apple launched the AirTag, its first Tile-like smart object tracker which can be attached to everyday objects like bags, purses, keyrings or wallets to help users quickly locate them with their smartphones. However, the company’s new tracker also features a useful trick when it is located out of range of the owner’s smartphone, according to reports.

In order to set up an AirTag, a user must register it with the Find My app, so it can be monitored and tracked via a user’s iPhone. However, in the event of a person moving out of range of their AirTag for an extended period of time, Apple says the tracker will emit a sound when moved, to inform people in the vicinity of the object so that it can be located, as spotted by MacRumours. Once a device with an AirTag is spotted, the AirTag will reveal the necessary information required to help return it to the rightful owner.

Also read: Apple Spring Loaded 2021: New AirTag tracker unveiled, iOS 14.5 release date

The new AirTag is essentially a new tracker in the form of a small round tile that features Bluetooth connectivity and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) support that helps Apple’s devices to quickly calculate how far away the tracker is. The presence of the UWB chip means that these trackers will provide more accurate results when used with the iPhone 11 and newer devices, which also feature a U1 ultra-wideband chip.

The report quotes popular tech blogger and inventor of the markup language John Gruber, who learned from his sources at Apple that an AirTag was currently set to play a sound if separated from the registered owner for a period of three days. However, this time period isn’t set in stone, as Apple can reportedly make necessary changes via a server-side setting – if the time period is unacceptable to users.

It is worth noting that while this feature could come in handy, hearing an unknown or unattended bag emit a sound all of a sudden might prove to be quite problematic, especially among users that do not know what the wireless tracker does.

Read more: Apple AirTags Bluetooth tracker work with Android phones as well; Here’s what it means

Apple has also added a useful feature to the Find My app, to alert you about the presence of any AirTag that you don’t own “moving with you”. This should protect you from someone putting an AirTag or Find My compatible Bluetooth tracker into your bag or on your person. Apple’s AirTag smart object tracker will go on sale in India on April 30, in one and four packs for ₹3190 and ₹10900, respectively.