Apple AirTags Expected To Be Next Big Accessory, Here's What To Know

Tech giant Apple (AAPL) is scheduled to host its first product event of 2021 on Tuesday with "Spring Loaded." For many tech enthusiasts, "Spring Loaded" is the culmination of months of rumors about the next exciting gadgets.

Perhaps the most anticipated product is AirTags, which will serve as a Bluetooth device that not only helps users find other Apple items they own, but also things like keys and wallets. It has been compared to Tile, a similar product already on the market.

"Apple accessories are very important from a business perspective because they tend to be high-margin products," Ben Stanton, senior analyst at tech market research firm Canalys, told CNN. "So while accessories may not make headlines from a revenue perspective, they do have a particularly positive impact on profitability."

The expected cost of AirTags is $39, CNN reported.

"Although AirTags are probably going to be fairly low priced, they may help to grow revenue, and users may buy multiple tags for different scenarios, such as for a bag, bike or car keys," said David McQueen, director at a tech market advisory firm ABI Research. "It may also spark a rise in the manufacture of accessories to house the tags, such as a key fob, keychain or wrist strap."

The actual technology in the AirTag will include the same U1 ultra-wideband chip that’s in the new iPhone 12. This will make for more accurate location tracking than Tile, Samsung and Sony products, MacRumors noted.

Other items that are expected to be unveiled at this event include a new iPad Pro and iPad Mini, as well as a possible iOS 14.5 update.

As of Tuesday at 12:17 p.m. ET, shares of Apple were trading at $133.40, down $1.44, or 1.07%.