{"id":16940,"date":"2022-12-28T01:46:37","date_gmt":"2022-12-28T01:46:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alterlock.net\/?p=16940"},"modified":"2026-02-25T05:28:45","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T05:28:45","slug":"airtag-and-alterlock","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alterlock.net\/en\/airtag-and-alterlock","title":{"rendered":"Does AirTag Really Work as a Theft Prevention Tool for Road Bikes?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Difference Between AlterLock and AirTag<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Since Apple released its tracking device, AirTag, in 2021, various companies have created adapters to use it as an anti-theft measure for bikes, and devices with built-in AirTag functionality have also started to be marketed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, does AirTag really work for theft prevention? And what’s the difference between AlterLock and AirTag?<\/strong>
I would like to answer based on the updates included in the AirTag (2nd generation) released in January 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. The Difference Between AlterLock and AirTag<\/a>
  2. What is AirTag?<\/a>
  3. How Does AirTag Work?<\/a>
  4. What's new with the latest AirTag?<\/a>
  5. When is AirTag Useful?<\/a>
  6. Can AirTags Be Used for Bike Theft Prevention?<\/a>
  7. 8 Things All Road Cyclists Should Know About Theft Prevention | AlterLock<\/a>
  8. Things to be Careful About with AirTag<\/a>
  9. The Difference Between AlterLock and AirTag<\/a><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\n\n

    What is AirTag?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    AirTag is a coin-shaped tracking device developed by Apple for the purpose of “loss prevention”<\/mark><\/strong>. It can be used through the “Find My” app on iPhones and can be attached to bags, wallets, keys, etc. The product is for iPhone users only <\/mark><\/strong>and cannot be used with Android devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How Does AirTag Work?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    AirTag sends out periodic Bluetooth signals and uses the location data of nearby iPhones to transmit its own location to the cloud. When we think of location and tracking, we think of GPS, but AirTag does not have a GPS module, so it cannot locate itself or communicate over long distances on its own. The range of AirTag’s signal is said to be around 10 metres, so it can only transmit location information when there is an iPhone in its range<\/mark><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What’s new with the latest AirTag?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Speaker volume increased by about 50%. Easier to find.<\/strong>
    The second-generation model features an internal speaker with about 50% more volume than the first generation.
    The sound range is also about twice as far, making it easier to locate items by sound outdoors or in large spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Precision Finding is more accurate with the second-generation UWB chip<\/strong>
    Features the latest Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip.
    On compatible iPhones, it provides more accurate navigation displays showing distance and direction to your item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Precision Finding now possible with Apple Watch alone<\/strong>
    On Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2, and later models, you can check distance and direction right on your wrist without needing your iPhone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Expanded Bluetooth range for a more stable \u201cFind\u201d network<\/strong>
    Improved Bluetooth performance expands the range within which nearby Apple devices can detect AirTags.
    This results in more stable location updates via the Find My network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Enhanced anti-stalking measures. Speaker designed to be physically difficult to remove.<\/strong>
    Location information when lost can be shared with family, friends, and over 50 partner airlines for up to 7 days.
    A reassuring feature is that sharing automatically stops when your belongings are returned to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When is AirTag Useful?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    AirTag really comes into its own for loss prevention.
    For example, keys and wallets can be left behind somewhere at home or at a cafe, and if they are taken to a lost and found, there is a high chance that an iPhone will be nearby, so the item can be found with a high degree of accuracy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Can AirTags Be Used for Bike Theft Prevention?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Nothing can completely prevent your bike from being stolen, but there are ways to reduce the risk of theft.
    Some measures include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n