Apple Updates AirTag Warnings to Comply with Safety Standards After CPSC Violation Notice

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently issued a Notice of Violation to Apple concerning its AirTag tracking devices. The CPSC alleged that Apple failed to meet the warning label requirements outlined in Reese’s Law, which was enacted to protect children from the dangers of button cell or coin battery ingestion. Reese’s Law requires consumer products with these batteries to include clear performance and warning label requirements.

Although Apple’s AirTags met the technical performance requirements for securing their lithium coin cell batteries, units imported after Reese’s Law took effect on March 19, 2024, did not include the mandated on-product and on-box warnings. These omissions posed potential risks for families with young children.

Apple’s Response

To address these violations, Apple has introduced several corrective measures:

1. Added Warning Symbols: A warning symbol has been added inside the battery compartment of AirTags to alert users about the hazards of battery ingestion.
2. Updated Packaging: New AirTag boxes now include clear warning statements and symbols to comply with regulatory standards.
3. Improved User Instructions: The Find My app, which provides guidance for replacing AirTag batteries, now includes warnings about the dangers of button and coin cell batteries. This ensures users are informed at critical moments of battery replacement.

However, the CPSC has highlighted that some non-compliant units were sold to consumers before these updates. The Commission stresses the importance of continued vigilance and compliance to prevent similar issues in the future.

See also:

• How to Change Your AirTag’s Battery
• What to Do If You Get an AirTag Battery Low Notification