Apple's Original AirTag Still Tracks Effectively, and You Can Get a 4-Pack for Its Best Price Ever

Why It Matters

The steep price cut makes functional tracking technology accessible to a broader audience, while highlighting how legacy Apple accessories can still deliver value despite newer upgrades. It also signals retailers’ inventory strategies as Apple refreshes its product line.

Key Takeaways

• Best Buy sells 4‑Pack AirTag Gen 1 for $60
• Gen 1 offers reliable Bluetooth tracking for everyday items
• Gen 2 adds UWB and louder speaker but costs more
• Retailers clearing Gen 1 inventory ahead of newer model launch
• Battery replacement extends AirTag life without extra cost

Pulse Analysis

Apple’s original AirTag, launched in 2021, has entered the classic‑tech price tier as retailers slash prices to clear shelves for the Gen 2 refresh. The $60 four‑pack at Best Buy represents a near‑50% discount compared with the newer version, making the device an attractive entry point for consumers who need simple, Bluetooth‑based location services without the premium features. This price erosion reflects a broader trend where legacy Apple accessories retain demand due to the seamless integration with the Find My network, even as the company pushes newer hardware.

From a technical perspective, the Gen 1 AirTag relies on Bluetooth Low Energy and Apple’s crowd‑sourced Find My infrastructure, delivering accurate indoor tracking for items like keys, wallets, and remote controls. The Gen 2 upgrade introduces a louder speaker for easier audible alerts, an Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip that enables precision finding on compatible iPhone 17, iPhone Air, and Watch Series 11 devices, and a modestly extended range. However, for most domestic use cases—locating a bag in a hotel room or a pet’s collar—the original model’s capabilities are more than sufficient, especially when paired with the significant cost savings.

For retailers, the clearance of Gen 1 AirTags illustrates a strategic inventory rotation as Apple phases in newer hardware. By offering the deepest discount to date, Best Buy not only drives foot traffic but also captures price‑sensitive shoppers who might otherwise defer purchase. Consumers benefit from a functional, ecosystem‑integrated tracker at a fraction of the cost, while Apple continues to generate revenue from accessory sales across product generations. Looking ahead, similar discount cycles are likely to recur as Apple introduces subsequent AirTag iterations, reinforcing the value proposition of buying older yet still supported tech during promotional windows.