Accessories

Should you worry about stalkers using an AirTag on you?

A few have already been victimized

Published

January 11, 2022

Luigi Leonardo

Anyone who’s ever owned a piece of technology in the last two decades has had the anxiety-ridden experience of misplacing their favorite devices somewhere. It’s become such a problem that a few companies have created a niche for tracking devices specifically made to track wayward devices. Breaking out of that niche market, Apple recently launched its own popular version of the device called the AirTag. However, such a tracking device does come with a worrying problem for privacy-conscious individuals: Can stalkers use an AirTag to stalk their targets?

The story so far

Recently, a Sports Illustrated model Brooks Nader revealed that someone used the tracking device to follow her around. While she was partying in New York with friends, an unknown party slipped an AirTag into her coat pocket. The device had been tracking her for hours before her iPhone eventually alerted her to the device’s tracking as she was walking home.

Nader’s discovery is currently the most widely reported incident of unauthorized tracking using an Air Tag. However, the phenomenon has already been happening outside of celebrity circles. For example, a public Facebook post from user DAnna Biscoe-Farrell describes how someone attached an AirTag to her truck. The device had also been tracking her for miles before her iPhone alerted her to its existence.

With two major incidents tattling on the device’s more nefarious potential, is it finally time to consider the AirTag a security risk?

What are AirTags?

Apple launched the AirTag last year. Instead of just a spartan tracking device, the brand turned the device into a fashionable device to own. Users can add engravings and personalized key rings to go along with the new device. It even has a relatively affordable price tag, offering the device for only a decent US$ 29 per piece.

In terms of size, the AirTag is just as small as a poker chip. Though Apple does want its users to flaunt the tag with accessories, the device’s diminutive size does allow for its users to hide it from plain sight.

Using the AirTag is a simple process, too. The device pairs with a user’s iPhone (or other Apple device) using the Find My app. They can then check Find My to know where the tag is located.

Now, as you might have noticed in the above reports, Apple will also alert users if an unauthorized AirTag is somehow following them around without their knowledge. It can notify users either with an iPhone alert or chirps that the tag will eventually play. It’s a convenient security feature designed to prevent malicious tracking.

Should you be worried about stalkers?

The AirTag’s description does set up a double edged sword (or, more appropriately, reveals two sides of the same poker chip). The AirTag is inherently useful. It can help users find lost devices with a simple app. However, its unassuming design can become a security risk with enough malicious ingenuity.

However, before we get into why an AirTag is a bad idea, let’s run down the pros of the AirTag’s security features. Compared to other tracking devices, the AirTag was specifically designed to prevent unwanted tracking. Other devices in the market don’t even have alerts if you’re carrying an unauthorized tracker. For example, a quick search on Amazon and Lazada pings unbranded GPS trackers that can easily track people or vehicles without consent for a fraction of the price. Tile, the leading tracking brand before the AirTag came along, even offers different shapes and sizes. Relatively speaking, the AirTag protects against stalking more than any other product in the market.

That said, the AirTag’s security measures are still severely lacking. For one, the device will alert victims only if they own Apple devices. If you’re carrying someone else’s AirTag on your person but don’t own an Apple device, then you’re in potential and unknowable danger until the AirTag chirps. While Apple has made great strides in creating a robust ecosystem for its products, the Apple-exclusive has inevitably ostracized Android users from its security blanket.

Further, the sizable delay between attaching an unauthorized AirTag and alerting the followed user can be too late. In the above incidents, it took hours before the victims discovered the AirTags on their persons. By then, the stalker could have already attacked or discovered where the victim lives.

Finally, as a smaller niggle on the AirTag’s features, Apple doesn’t really offer any solution once a device discovers an errant AirTag. Though authorities can certainly check who owns the AirTag, Apple doesn’t have a system in place that can easily report stalkers.

What should you do if someone attached an AirTag on you?

Given the delay before an actionable alert, there aren’t a lot of hard-hitting solutions you can take against a stalker. However, that’s still no reason to panic.

If you detected the AirTag before you reached home, don’t go straight to your house. Leading a stalker to where you live is the worst case scenario. Instead, lead the device somewhere far from where you live. Once you’re in a safe and untraceable place, you can figure out what to do with the device.

The easiest solution is to throw the device away. Disposing the tracking device can already throw the stalker off. However, don’t attempt to destroy the tag. Besides alerting the stalker that you discovered their device, you run the risk of damaging the tag’s battery. A damaged battery is a safety risk and can explode.

There are, of course, more rigorous methods you can try to bring the stalker to justice. A functioning AirTag has the linked Apple device attached to its hardware. Investigating authorities can identify and locate where the owner of the tag is. Once you discover the tag and have transferred to a different location, you can report the tag to the police.

In terms of preemptive measures, always keep your things in sight especially objects that can easily hide a small object. Though people can easily slip something small into your things without you knowing, there’s no harm in keeping your belongings safe and staying away from strangers suspiciously close to you.

Accessories

CASETiFY relaunches Evangelion collab for 30th anniversary

Fans can now customize their own NERV-ready cases

Published

March 3, 2026

GadgetMatch

The A.T. Field is activated. To mark 30 years of Neon Genesis Evangelion, CASETiFY has relaunched its highly popular Evangelion collaboration. This time, fans control the sync rate.

For the first time, buyers can fully customize their Evangelion cases. The drop lets fans mix and match NERV logos, the 4th Angel, character art featuring Shinji Ikari and Rei Ayanami, and bold background graphics. The result is a case that feels like a personal unit build, straight out of the series’ control room.

The lineup pulls directly from Evangelion iconography. Designs include classic NERV insignias, holographic “A.T. Field” defense graphics, “Active Time Limit” warnings, and the official 30th Anniversary emblem. Each case uses CASETiFY’s signature impact protection, turning your device into a pocket-sized defensive barrier.

The collection goes beyond phone cases. Fans can also pick up matching AirPods cases, MagSafe wallets, watch bands, and laptop and tablet sleeves to complete their everyday tech setup.

Android users are included in the rollout. The collection supports devices like the newly released Samsung Galaxy S26 series, making it a timely drop for those looking to suit up their latest flagship.

The Evangelion collection is now available via the official CASETiFY website.

Accessories

CASETiFY launches Samsung Galaxy S26 collection

Galaxy S26 cases go bold

Published

March 3, 2026

GadgetMatch

CASETiFY has unveiled its full lineup of cases and accessories for the Samsung Galaxy S26, timed with the flagship’s global debut.

The new collection blends protection with personalization. Users can customize cases with photos and text or choose from bold, artistic prints across multiple case styles. The lineup also includes phone charms, body straps, magnetic accessories, screen protectors, and camera lens covers built specifically for the Galaxy S26.

Orders opened on February 25, 2026 via CASETiFY’s website.

Built for protection and everyday use

Leading the lineup is the Impact Ring Stand Magnetic Case ($85). It features a lifted camera ring with a built-in stand that adjusts from 0 to 150 degrees for hands-free viewing. The case carries 6.6-foot drop protection, 3x MIL-STD-810G certification, EcoShock cushioning, and CASETiFY’s Duo-Lock bonding system. It also supports wireless charging and magnetic accessories.

The Impact Magnetic Case ($70) increases drop protection to 8.2 feet with 4x MIL-STD-810G certification. It adds side sockets for charms and a raised bezel for screen protection.

For those who prefer a transparent look, the Impact Clear Magnetic Case ($70) focuses on long-lasting clarity and anti-yellowing materials. It offers 6.6-foot drop protection and 3x MIL-STD-810G certification.

Slim, glossy, and grip-focused options

The Mirror Magnetic Case ($70) adds reflective functionality with 4.9-foot drop protection, while the Compact Magnetic Case ($55) targets users who want a lightweight, slim profile with 4-foot drop protection.

The Glaze Magnetic Case ($70) stands out with a scratch-resistant glossy finish and anti-print peel-off technology, paired with mirror functionality and magnetic compatibility.

Rounding out the collection is the Force Case by CASETiFY ($55), designed for enhanced grip and durability. It delivers 6.6-foot drop protection, 3x MIL-STD-810G certification, Duo-Lock bonding, and full wireless charging support.

With multiple case styles and accessory options, CASETiFY’s Galaxy S26 collection gives users room to match their device to their personality without compromising protection.

Accessories

Xiaomi launches latest ecosystem devices: Watch 5, Redmi Buds 8 Pro, more

Smart, on-the-go products debut

Published

March 2, 2026

GadgetMatch

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Xiaomi has launched an entire slate of smart, on-the-go devices as part of their major first quarter ecosystem release.

These products, ranging from smartwatches to earbuds to smart home devices and electric scooters, were introduced alongside the flagship Xiaomi 17 series smartphones and Xiaomi Pad 8 series tablets.

All are now available in the Philippines. Here’s a quick rundown.

Xiaomi Watch 5

Price: PhP 18,999

The Xiaomi Watch 5 runs on Wear OS by Google. It has a large 1.54-inch display reinforced by strong sapphire glass.

The watch has a stainless steel middle frame, and a flagship dual-chipset design. Inside are the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 and BES2800 low-power processor.

Users can leverage quick gestures with EMG, IMU, and PPG sensors for essential actions. Such can execute tasks like dismissing calls, silencing alarms, launching workouts, and more.

As usual, there are several sport modes, and advanced health monitoring features, which have been refined to deliver a better experience.

Redmi Buds 8 Pro

Price: PhP 3,999

The wearable leverages a 3-mic system with up to 12 m/s wind noise cancellation and up to 55dB ANC.

Inside are coaxial triple drivers for rich sound complemented by Dolby Audio. There are three color options: Obsidian Black, Cloud White, and Glacier Blue.

Users can enjoy up to 33 hours of playback along with its charging case.

As a quick addition, a Xiaomi Tag is available for PhP 899 for a single piece or PhP 2,799 for the four-pack.

This tool is compatible with Apple Find My or Google Android Find Hub, working within a user’s chosen OS ecosystem.