Apple AirTag and Find My network technology explained

Apple AirTags and compatible Bluetooth tracker tags utilize the Find My network to locate lost items. These devices do not contain GPS or cellular radios; instead, they rely on a secure Bluetooth signal that is detected by nearby iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices. These nearby devices then anonymously and encryptedly report the location to iCloud, allowing the owner to view the item's position on a map.

For close-range tracking, the technology employs Bluetooth LE, Ultra Wideband, and NFC. Precision Finding can guide a user to the exact location of an item within a few meters. The Find My network is comprised of over a billion Apple devices globally, providing a vast infrastructure for item recovery.