Apple Adds Warning Labels to AirTags

Apple AirTag
Credit: Đức Trịnh on Unsplash | Free use under the Unsplash License

Apple AirTag
Credit: Đức Trịnh on Unsplash | Free use under the Unsplash License

Apple has added new warning labels to its AirTag and packaging, highlighting the risk to minors of ingesting its batteries.

This move follows a Notice of Violation from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which claimed non-compliance with Reese's law.

This law, enacted in March 2024, requires visible warnings on products using button or coin cell batteries to highlight the serious risks of battery ingestion by children under six.

The legislation remembers Reese Elizabeth Hamsmith, a toddler who sadly died in 2020 after swallowing a button battery.

Apple AirTag & Accessories
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Credit: Jonas Elia on Unsplash | Free use under the Unsplash License

To comply with these rules, Apple has implemented several safety precautions.

Warning symbols are now inside the AirTag battery compartment, and the redesigned packaging includes explicit warnings. When the Find My app prompts users to replace an AirTag battery, it will display battery-related cautions.

These changes aim to ensure safety awareness at critical moments.

AirTags, launched in 2021, have been a popular gadget for tracking tools such as luggage and pets, generating more than $1 billion in sales by the end of 2022.

Despite their utility, these AirTags have faced criticism, including concerns about surveillance and safety hazards from their tiny batteries.

Apple AirTag in Loop
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Credit: Jonas Elia on Unsplash | Free to use under the Unsplash License

While addressing safety issues, Apple is reportedly working on an updated AirTag device with increased tracking range and anti-stalking capabilities. This anticipated redesign will be the first significant update since the product's release.

By adding these warnings and updating the technology, Apple shows its commitment to consumer safety and regulatory compliance, ensuring that AirTags remain effective and safe for customers.