I extended my AirTag's battery life to 10 years with this $15 accessory - how it works

Source: ZDNet

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• It boosts battery life up to a decade.
• It is water and dust‑proof (IP69).
• It adds bulk to the sleek AirTag.

Buy the TimeCapsule 10‑year battery case for $15.98 on Amazon

Apple AirTags have become indispensable for locating everyday items—from keys and wallets to luggage. The main drawbacks are their odd shape, which makes direct attachment tricky, and the relatively short 1‑ to 2‑year battery life, often requiring a stock of CR2032 coin batteries.

ElevationLabs addresses both issues with the TimeCapsule 10‑year battery case, a rugged enclosure that powers an AirTag for up to ten years.

Tough and IP69‑rated

The case is built from fiber‑reinforced composite with a gasket that achieves an IP69 rating (completely dust‑tight and able to withstand high‑pressure water jets and steam). It includes CNC‑machined fasteners and an Allen key for assembly.

You only need to add an AirTag and two AA batteries.

ElevationLabs recommends Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA batteries for their longevity, stable output, and leak‑free performance. Avoid cheap alkaline batteries, as they can leak and damage both the AirTag and the case.

Assembling is easy

1. Open the AirTag and set the battery and cover aside.
2. Insert the two AA batteries into the case.
3. Place the AirTag on the metal power plate.
4. Snap the cover on and screw it down.

A word on the screws: tighten them just enough to gently compress the gasket. Hand‑tight is sufficient; there’s no need to overtighten.

The build quality feels exceptional—tough, water‑ and dust‑proof, and able to survive drops and pressure without issue.

Performance and range

Testing in the narrow streets of Marrakesh showed no noticeable difference in detection range or location accuracy compared with an uncovered AirTag. The case does muffle the speaker slightly, but the sound remains audible in a noisy environment.

ZDNET’s buying advice

Apple AirTags are great on their own, but the ElevationLabs TimeCapsule 10‑year battery case extends their functionality for applications where size isn’t a concern—such as luggage, camera cases, toolboxes, or vehicles.

• Price: $15 for a single case; $35 for a four‑pack (best value).
• Consideration: Apple could change the AirTag form factor in the future, so keep a few spare AirTags on hand for the cases you purchase.

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