Extend Your AirTag Battery Life to 5 Years
▼ Summary
– Elevation Lab has released a smaller version of its TimeCapsule case for the Apple AirTag, which is about half the size of the original.
– The new case uses two AAA batteries to extend the AirTag’s battery life to five years, replacing its standard coin cell battery.
– It retains the original’s IP69 water/dirt resistance and material that doesn’t interfere with Bluetooth or UWB signals.
– The case makes the AirTag bulkier and heavier, and muffles its audible chirps by about one-third.
– It is available for $19.99 individually, or at a discount when purchased in a four-pack for $39.99.
For those who rely on Apple’s AirTag to keep track of their belongings, the standard one-year battery life can feel like a frequent inconvenience. A new accessory now offers a compelling solution, promising to stretch that duration to an impressive five years with a simple, durable case. This product represents a significant upgrade for users who want to set and forget their tracking devices, eliminating the need for annual battery swaps.
Elevation Lab has just unveiled a more compact iteration of its TimeCapsule case. This new model is roughly half the size of its predecessor and operates on a different power source. Instead of using AA batteries, it houses two smaller AAA cells. This design change extends the AirTag’s operational life to five full years, a notable increase from the original case’s decade-long claim. The product is currently available for purchase directly from the manufacturer. A single unit costs $19.99, but there’s a substantial discount for buying in bulk; a four-pack is priced at $39.99, effectively cutting the per-unit cost in half.
The core functionality remains unchanged from the larger version. The Time Capsule completely bypasses the AirTag’s built-in CR2032 coin cell. It does this by replacing the battery with a specialized electrical contact that draws power directly from the enclosed AAA batteries. The company provides a specific recommendation for optimal performance and safety. They strongly advise using Energizer Ultimate Lithium AAA batteries. This suggestion serves a dual purpose: it ensures the longest possible battery life and, critically, helps prevent corrosive battery leaks. Given that the case may not be opened for half a decade, using high-quality, leak-resistant batteries is a vital consideration.
Durability is a key selling point. The smaller case inherits the original’s robust IP69 rating, which certifies protection against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets and dust ingress. It is constructed from the same fiber-reinforced polycarbonate material, which is engineered not to interfere with the AirTag’s crucial wireless signals for Bluetooth and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) communication. There are, however, a couple of trade-offs for the extended battery life. The case adds noticeable bulk and weight. With the batteries installed, the total weight jumps to 1.9 ounces, compared to the AirTag’s standalone weight of just 0.39 ounces. Additionally, the audible alert from the tracker is slightly muffled, reduced by about one-third in volume, which could make locating a lost item by sound alone a bit more challenging.
Despite the added size, the installation process is straightforward and user-friendly. Placing an AirTag into the Time Capsule case is a simple task, requiring no technical expertise or special tools. The design allows for easy insertion and secure closure, ensuring the tracker remains protected while maintaining a reliable connection for its multi-year service life.
(Source: The Verge)
