Enhanced Time Capsule Container for AirTags Increases Battery Lifespan to Decade-Long 10 Years
Enhanced Time Capsule Container for AirTags Increases Battery Lifespan to Decade-Long 10 Years
AirTag's battery typically lasts a year, requiring replacement. I've found this out the hard way as all my AirTags are battery-less, and I consistently forget to buy new batteries. This is why the ElevationLab's Prolonger for AirTags is alluring. It guarantees a decade-long service compared to the standard year due to its usage of AA batteries.
ElevationLab promises that their $20 accessory for your $30 AirTag has an IP69 rating for dust and water resistance. This implies it can endure rain and last up to 30 minutes in a three-foot deep water body. The construction itself is straightforward. Two AA batteries connect to a charging contact pad. You detach the AirTag's backplate and battery, then screw the shell's halves together.
Another advantage of shifting from the CR2032 coin battery is the miniature capsule's less conspicuous appearance. More like a compact drill bit case instead of an AirTag. If you worry about carjackers recognizing your AirTag and tossing it out, it might offer some reassurance. However, the size of the Bluetooth Tracker is significantly more than usual. At minimum, ElevationLab asserts that the shell's material, "strong fiber-reinforced carbon," won't affect the range or signal quality between your AirTag and your device.
The device is larger and heavier as well. You should also consider the caliber of your AA batteries. In their blog post, ElevationLab recommends Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries to maximize the battery extender's longevity. These batteries have a voltage of 1.5V and a capacity of 3,000 mAh. Energizer claims they last well under various temperatures. Regardless, you shouldn't forget the batteries in the shell. After a few years, lower-quality alkaline batteries may start leaking.
ElevationLab has experience in creating AirTag mounts and accessories. Nevertheless, even the device's shell looks DIY-friendly, requiring only a few minutes in a 3D modeling program and an hour at a 3D printer. It would be intriguing to see DIY enthusiasts recreate this design for other non-Apple trackers.
The Time Capsule is currently out of stock on ElevationLab's website but is available on Amazon. With the new AirTag feature enabling Share Item Location for iPhones, there's no better time to purchase a Bluetooth tracker. Some airlines, like United, even allow you to insert those links into a lost luggage report.
Apple is rumored to amend their AirTags next year, aiming to broaden their range. However, there's no news regarding changes in shape or size. At the very least, housing your AirTag in a bulky case will diminish its capacity for stalking.
The Prolonger from ElevationLab, a $20 accessory for your AirTag, leverages AA batteries to promise a decade-long service, significantly exceeding AirTag's standard year-long battery life. In the future, the tech industry might see more devices adopting this approach, as Apple is reportedly considering modifying their AirTags to accommodate longer-lasting batteries.