Apple AirTags draining battery of devices close by (annoying.technology)

Article summary

The article discusses how Apple AirTags can drain the battery of nearby devices, such as iPads, even when they are not being used. This issue has been reported by several users, who have noticed a significant decrease in their device's battery life when AirTags are in close proximity. The cause of this issue is not explicitly stated, but it is suggested that it may be related to the Find My network feature. Users have reported finding solutions to this problem, including disabling the Find My network feature or using other devices to locate their AirTags.

Main themes

• AirTags and battery drain
• Find My network feature
• Device settings and control
• Wireless protocols and security
• Convenience vs. privacy/security
• Apple ecosystem and user experience

What commenters say

• Disabling the Find My network feature can prevent battery drain caused by AirTags, but it also removes the ability to locate devices when they are turned off or out of range.
• The Find My network feature is a useful tool for locating lost devices, but it can be annoying when it causes battery drain or other issues.
• Some users feel that Apple should provide more control over the Find My network feature, such as separate settings for finding one's own devices and participating in the network.
• Others argue that the benefits of the Find My network feature outweigh the potential drawbacks, and that users should be willing to participate in the network in order to reap its benefits.
• The issue of battery drain caused by AirTags may be related to a larger problem of wireless protocols being vulnerable to denial-of-service attacks.
• Some users have suggested using alternative methods to locate lost devices, such as using GPS or other tracking technologies.
• The discussion around AirTags and the Find My network feature highlights the need for more transparency and control over device settings and features.
• The trade-off between convenience and privacy/security is a recurring theme in the discussion, with some users prioritizing one over the other.