Apple’s tiny Bluetooth locator is on sale: retailers pushed the single AirTag to just $18 in early Black Friday promotions — a 38% discount from its $29 list price and the lowest single-unit price on record as of Nov. 14. The markdown is notable because single-unit discounts are rarer than the frequent four‑pack deals, making this a convenient chance for buyers who only need one or two trackers.

The deal in a nutshell

  • What: Apple AirTag single unit reduced to $18 (down from $29)
  • When: Early Black Friday promotions, price reported Nov. 14
  • Where: Major retailers including Amazon have been carrying the discounted single units

    • If you’ve been waiting for a stand‑alone AirTag to slip into a purse, a camera bag, a suitcase or a pet collar, this is the best price many shoppers will see until next year’s sales cycle.

    What an AirTag does (and what it doesn’t)

    An AirTag is a compact, coin‑shaped tracker that pairs to Apple devices through the Find My network. Once set up, it can report a lost item’s location via nearby Apple devices that anonymously relay its Bluetooth signal back to your iCloud account.

    Key features:

  • Precision Finding using the U1 ultra‑wideband chip (available on iPhone 11 and newer) to guide you to an AirTag that’s nearby
  • Built‑in speaker for audible locating
  • Replaceable CR2032 battery rated for about a year of typical use
  • IP67 water and dust resistance
  • Quick one‑tap setup from iPhone or iPad

    • These capabilities make AirTags particularly seamless for iPhone users who want near real‑time, private locating integrated into Apple’s ecosystem. Apple’s product page has the full technical rundown: Apple AirTag.

    Use cases and user experiences

    Reviewers and everyday users have highlighted practical uses: keys, luggage, backpacks, and even pet collars. The AirTag’s long battery life and the Find My network’s wide reach mean you can often locate an item far from your own phone so long as other Apple devices are nearby.

    Owners report that setup is virtually effortless — bring the AirTag close to your iPhone, tap to connect, and name the item. The small speaker and Precision Finding are especially handy in cluttered spaces or crowded airports.

    Limits and alternatives

    AirTags are optimized for Apple devices. Android users cannot pair an AirTag to their phone and won’t get the full suite of features. For people who use Android or want cross‑platform compatibility, alternatives such as Tile or Samsung’s Galaxy SmartTag remain viable options. Those trackers have their own networks and subscription tiers, so shoppers should compare coverage, features, and ongoing costs.

    Privacy and safety: what to know

    Apple built anti‑stalking measures into the AirTag system after early concerns about misuse. Notable protections include:

  • Alerts on iPhones when an unknown AirTag appears to be traveling with the user
  • Audible alerts from an AirTag left separated from its owner for a certain period
  • Tools for Android users — such as Apple’s Tracker Detect app — to scan for nearby unknown trackers

    • These safeguards reduce the chance of covert tracking, but they are not foolproof. Advocacy groups and law enforcement have continued to urge vigilance and legislative attention where malicious use is a concern.

    Should you buy at $18?

    For iPhone owners who want a simple, reliable way to keep track of everyday items, $18 for a single AirTag is a strong value. Consider these buying tips:

  • Buy a single unit if you only need to tag one item; a four‑pack remains a better per‑tag value if you want to protect keys, a bag, a camera, and luggage.
  • Think about where you’ll use it: AirTags are best for items likely to be near other Apple devices (airports, cities, neighborhoods with many iPhones).
  • If you’re an Android user, compare cross‑platform trackers instead; AirTags won’t integrate with Android the way Tile or Samsung devices can.
  • Check return policies and stock levels — early Black Friday deals can move fast.

Bottom line

This early Black Friday price cuts the barrier to entry for Apple’s Find My ecosystem, making AirTags an even more attractive, low‑cost tool for iPhone users who want to keep better track of personal items. If you’ve hesitated because single‑unit discounts were scarce, $18 is a practical time to pick one up — just weigh compatibility and privacy considerations before you buy.

AppleAirTagBlack FridayDealsFind My