Saturday, December 14, 2024
Reviews

WaterField Design’s AirTag accessories address two flaws with the Apple tracker

The company offers the AirTag Keychain and AirTag Luggage Tag

Apple’s AirTag trackers are pretty cool, but they have some flaws. One: they scratch easily thanks to their plastic and chrome services. 

Two: unlike, say most Tile products, there’s no hole. You can’t slip an AirTag onto your keyring. You’ll need to buy an accessory for this. 

See what Apple has done here? It wants you to buy one of its AirTag accessories, which range in price from US$39 to (say what?) $449. At least you can pick up a Belkin Secure Holder with Key Ring for a reasonable $12.95 at the accessories page. 

However, if you want products that look as classy as Apple’s accessories and protects the tracking device, WaterField Designs has you covered. The US$25 Leather AirTag Keychain (pictured) and  $49 AirTag Luggage Tag are sophisticated Apple AirTag accessories that protect the trackers from scratches. They also hide your AirTags from thieves. Plus, decorative perforations in the leather cases allow sound from the built-in AirTag speakers to travel.

Both easily attach to bags, belt hooks, luggage, and more via an included carabiner or stainless-steel cable. They’re available in a range of colors; chocolate leather is my favorite. 

The AirTag Keychain is made from two pieces of full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather. Its petal-shaped pouch keeps the Apple tracker hidden from view and securely holds it in place. A matte black metal screw stud fastener keeps the AirTag pouch firmly closed, but offers access for battery changes.

The AirTag Luggage Tag is made with travelers in mind. It’s made from two layers of full-grain leather bonded together for durability. The Tag attaches with a 1.5 mm stainless steel wire that threads through a metal grommet. 

An included address card or a business card slides behind a clear window covered by a leather flap that keeps ID info private. The AirTag rests in a custom-fit pocket.

Review overview

Functionality10
Design10
Price8

The Pros

  • Less expensive than Apple’s alternatives
  • offer great protection
  • well designed

The Cons

  • Not inexpensive
  • not necessarily for everyone

summary

9.3Unless you simply slip your AirTags into a pocket or purse, the WaterField Design accessories are a must-have accessory.

Dennis Sellers
the authorDennis Sellers
Dennis Sellers is the editor/publisher of Apple World Today. He’s been an “Apple journalist” since 1995 (starting with the first big Apple news site, MacCentral). He loves to read, run, play sports, and watch movies.