Galaxy SmartTag 3

Samsung's SmartTag 3 tracker has been unveiled with a smaller design, longer range and, notably, support for iPhones — a first for the Galaxy SmartTag line. Tech writers say the added cross-platform compatibility makes it a more serious rival to Apple's AirTag, though many reviewers argue it still isn't enough to replace an AirTag for iPhone users, given Apple's tighter Find My network integration.

Samsung's upcoming Galaxy SmartTag 3 tracker will work with Apple's Find My network on iPhones, but it will not integrate with Android's Find Hub network. That means iPhone users could get broader tracking coverage than many non-Samsung Android users, a reversal of the usual platform divide. The decision raises questions about Samsung's approach to cross-platform compatibility within its own mobile ecosystem.

Samsung has introduced the Galaxy SmartTag 3, a Bluetooth item tracker that for the first time works with Apple's iPhone as well as Samsung Galaxy devices. The move opens Samsung's tracking ecosystem to a much broader user base and puts the SmartTag in direct competition with Apple's AirTag and other trackers. Details on pricing and availability are limited so far.

Samsung's Galaxy SmartTag 3 will reportedly support iPhones as well as Android devices, a notable break from the company's usual ecosystem lock-in. The move suggests tracker makers are converging on cross-platform compatibility, following Apple and Google's joint work on a Find My-style device network standard that would let item trackers be located regardless of which phone a user carries.