iPhone 16e isn’t compatible with AirTags

AirTag - Tech Specs - Apple Support

• Bluetooth for proximity finding
• Apple-designed U1 chip for Ultra Wideband and Precision Finding
• NFC tap for Lost Mode

iPhone - Compare Models - Apple

• Shows the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Max has having a "Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip"; and shows "—" for what the iPhone 16e has – seeming to confirm that the iPhone 16e does not have an Ultra Widebanc chip.

According to at least one review, the Ultra Wideband chip is what lets iPhones display a more precise location for an AirTag, instead of displaying a very general location and forcing you to do a lot of searching "by hand". So it sounds like the iPhone 16e is not completely incompatible with AirTags, but also is not the phone you'd want to purchase if you were going to make a lot of use of them.

That is not entirely accurate. It is compatible with AirTags. What it is not capable of is "precision finding".

SLP_37 wrote:

If it’s the same as I’ve been using with my iPhone 11 I will be able to manage. The video I saw said it wasn’t compatible with air tags.

It's not the same as with your iPhone 11. Both are compatible, to some degree, with AirTags – but the iPhone 11 has an Ultra Wideband chip and supports Precision Finding, while the iPhone 16e lacks such a chip and does not support Precision Finding.

LD150 wrote:

if my iPhone SE is "compatible" with air tags, I am very sure the 16e is.

I could be mistaken, but it appears that all three generations of the iPhone SE lack an Ultra Wideband chip. So your experience with the iPhone SE is probably a good indication of what an iPhone 16e user can expect.

if my iPhone SE is "compatible" with air tags, I am very sure the 16e is.

It will show a location in Find My such as next door, or in the woods, it will give a beep, but may not give you a homing signal to find him inside the house.

Argos don't give any discount (still £599) so next time order online from Apple.

In similar vein Amazon.co.uk avoid consumer protection law by being based in Luxembourg.

Apple are the good guys giving full 6 year limited warranty under UK law.

Servant of Cats wrote:

I could be mistaken, but it appears that all three generations of the iPhone SE lack an Ultra Wideband chip. So your experience with the iPhone SE is probably a good indication of what an iPhone 16e user can expect.

Correct, nice little phone, paid £379, tad disappointed there is no Ultra Wideband, even though my older iphone 12 had it.

However if I had spent £599 and found so many features missing, even Magsafe, I would also feel somewhat cheated.

Who is they in the exchange part. Apple and Apple Authorized Resellers have return policies that generally cover buyer’s remorse for a limited period, such as 14 days, in Apple’s case.

What country are you in and who did you purchase it from?

Hello~ That’s unfortunate. I suppose that you could sell the iPhone privately and purchase one that better suits your needs.

~Katana-San~

What kind of Find My services are you hoping to accomplish with the iPhone and AirTag? As previously pointed out, precision finding is not available. But basic service will show last known location.

I think I understand the concerns as I’ve been dealing with relatives with Alzheimer’s or dementia since 1985. What exactly are your concerns and end goals? How are you imagining AirTags can accomplish your goals? 😀

SLP_37 wrote:

If it’s the same as I’ve been using with my iPhone 11 I will be able to manage. The video I saw said it wasn’t compatible with air tags.

The video you saw was incorrect.

Don't believe everything you see on the Internet.

You should be fine. The real limitation is the last location only shows for last 24 to 48 hours. I’m not sure the general concerns but hopefully that suffices for finding your father, should it be necessary. It sounds like he’s still pretty mobile and gets around. In the future, you’ll want to consider upgrading his device or handing down your device so precise location will be available.

When talking about locating a person using the AirTags, that shouldn't make any difference. Precise location supported by other devices relies on the AirTag being within bluetooth range... If you're looking for something small, I can see that being useful. For a person, not so much. You should be able to spot them if you're that close.

Hello~ Who did you purchase the iPhone from? Apple?

~Katana-San~