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iFixit’s teardown of the original 2021 Apple AirTag (model A2187) found a replaceable CR2032 battery, a compact speaker assembly, and a small circuit board carrying wireless and motion-sensing components. The smooth enclosure has no built-in keyring hole, so a holder is the straightforward way to attach it to keys. Drilling a hole is possible, but it can damage the tracker and compromises its water resistance.
Which AirTag does iFixit’s teardown cover?
The teardown, published by iFixit on May 1, 2021, covers the first-generation AirTag, model A2187. Its component details should not be confused with Apple’s current AirTag listing: as of October 4, 2026, Apple describes the current model as using a second-generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip. iFixit’s teardown and Apple’s current product page refer to different generations.
What’s inside the first-generation AirTag?
The AirTag’s coin-shaped enclosure fits its battery, speaker, antenna structure, and electronics into a compact space. The metal battery cover and the speaker magnet contribute to the prominent central shape visible in iFixit’s X-ray view.
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The stainless-steel cover twists off to expose a CR2032 battery. Inside the cover area, a magnet works with a copper voice coil wrapped around the donut-shaped logic board. Together they produce sound through the AirTag body, which acts as the speaker’s diaphragm.
#1 Best Overall
- Premium Material and Shockproof Protection: This GPS Item Tracker Cover is professionally designed for Airtag, is made of Hard PC material. It provides robust protection against daily drops, bumps, and scratches to keep your device safe
- Easy to Use: This cover features independent design to be easy to use and carry. Keychain ring closure keeps the case stay closed and avoid your GPS Item Tracker sliding out accidentally
- Compatibility: This men's and women's keychain case is specially designed for AirTag 2nd Generation (2026) and for AirTag 1st Generation (2021) (Note: for AirTag is not included). This for AirTag case is suitable for both men and women
- Use Occasion: This protective case come with keychain, you can attach it to your car key, your bag, dog leash, the valuables and more.Easily swap and change where you attach your GPS Item Tracker on the things you want to keep track of
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Logic board and sensors
The round board sits within a plastic antenna frame. iFixit identifies an Apple U1 UWB transceiver, a Nordic nRF52832 Bluetooth Low Energy system-on-chip with an NFC controller, and a Bosch Sensortec three-axis accelerometer, along with power and audio components.
What can be serviced?
The battery is the practical user-replaceable part. Beyond the battery cover, the enclosure uses clips and adhesive; iFixit describes three clips and a board stubbornly glued in place. That makes deeper disassembly a delicate repair rather than routine user maintenance.
Rank #2
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- [Shockproof Silicone Materia]: The AirTag holder cover bumper is compatible with your delicate for Apple AirTag 2nd & 1st Generation. case for AirTag holder is made of waterproof silicone material, Air Tagholder can also resist scratches,which could provide a stronger buffer when bumps or drops to fully protect your Air Tag 2nd & 1st Generation.This Air Tag accessories is the perfect complement to your Air Tag.
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How do you attach an AirTag to keys?
The enclosure has no easy built-in keyring hole. A purpose-made holder or case is the simple, reversible option: it secures the tracker without modifying it. Apple presents key rings as an attachment option, and iFixit points to third-party keyrings as an alternative to drilling. Search for an “AirTag keychain holder” or “AirTag key ring case”; no particular holder model is assessed here.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →| Option | Reversible? | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Holder or case | Yes | Adds some bulk; leaves the AirTag enclosure unmodified. |
| Drill a hole | No | Can damage the device, compromises IP67 water resistance, and may affect warranty coverage. |
Can you drill a keyring hole in an AirTag?
iFixit documents a drill-hole modification, but it is a risky DIY alternative rather than the recommended way to carry the tracker. The guide says to remove the battery first, locate a safe drilling area using the internal board and antenna notches, use a 1/16-inch drill bit, and deburr the hole afterward. The procedure’s location guidance matters because drilling into the wrong area can damage internal components.
Rank #3
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- SIMPLE and EFFECTIVE: These durable Belkin Air Tag cases are the perfect solution for keeping your AirTag safe and secure while on the go; Easily and securely attach it to your keys, bookbags, pets, or luggage so you never lose track of them
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iFixit warns that a drilled AirTag should not be expected to retain its IP67 capabilities and says the modification can damage functionality and affect warranty coverage. Its teardown describes one modified unit that continued working; that demonstration is not a guarantee that another AirTag will survive the procedure. iFixit’s warning is direct: “Just make sure you remove the battery first. And don’t expect it to maintain its IP67 capabilities.”
How to replace the AirTag battery safely
Apple’s battery instructions, published May 5, 2026, specify a CR2032 lithium 3V cell. Some bitterant-coated CR2032 batteries might not work; Apple advises looking for packaging that says “Compatible with Apple AirTag.”
Rank #4
- Perfect Fit Design, Hold Air Tag Securely: (Note: The Airtag is NOT included in Packages, Contains only Cases and Keychains) The 4-pack air tag Case is designed for the AirTag 2nd & 1st Generation. The Case fits tightly around AirTag to ensure that it stays put
- All Around Protection, Sturdy TPU Shell: The apple air tags-4 pack Case is made of a high-performance TPU shell and the embedded TPU transparent front cover, can protect your AirTag from 360° scratches, survive a drop from a height of 10 feet(3M)
- Easy to Install: Installing the AirTag to this product was simply putting the cover on top of the AirTag and guiding it around. Once inside it will provide a decent seal. Easy to install and remove
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- Not affect the Signal: The air tag Keychain do not affect the Bluetooth connection, your phone's operation, or the sound of AirTag
- Press down on the stainless-steel battery cover and rotate it counterclockwise.
- Remove the cover and the old battery.
- Insert the new CR2032 cell with its positive side facing up.
- Align the cover’s three tabs with the slots, then rotate the cover clockwise until it stops.
Apple warns that the AirTag, cover, and battery can be choking hazards. Coin-cell ingestion can cause severe injury, so keep batteries and disassembled parts away from children. See Apple’s AirTag battery replacement instructions.
How large is Apple’s current AirTag?
These are specifications for the current product page, not measurements or component details from iFixit’s 2021 teardown. Apple lists the current AirTag at 1.26 inches (31.9 mm) in diameter, 0.31 inch (8.0 mm) tall, and 0.42 ounce (11.8 g). Apple describes its IP67 rating as tested to a maximum depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. A drilled first-generation AirTag should not be assumed to retain that water resistance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Wide Used】: First & second generation Air Tag Holder can be used for Air Tag Keychain Holder, Bags(Kid's Bag, Fashion Bag, Travel Bag and others bags ), Pet's Collar or Harness Holder, and Luggage Holder. Easy to hook on anything you wish to track
- 【Fully Protected】: Full protection for Apple Air Tag which has IPX8 level Waterproof(Test Report provided by SGS Group, attached in "Product guides and documents" section), 360 degree Shockproof and Scratch Free
- 【High End Material】: Premium Silicone is used which is soft, flexible, good for kid and pets. Also, it's friendly material great for environment. Premium Air tag Case for Apple Air tag GPS Item Finder
- 【Easy to Install】: Install the Air tag and press the lid, straight forward. Further installation detail is attached on the package
- 【What's in the box】: 2xWaterdrop shape Air tag Holder, 2xWaterproof Lids, 2xPremium Rings (Air tag is not included)
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