Samsung’s new SmartTag is smaller, longer-lasting, and works with iPhones

Bluetooth trackers now support both Android and iOS, making it easier to share location data between different mobile ecosystems.

Samsung has launched its third-generation Galaxy SmartTag 3, a Bluetooth tracker featuring a 35% smaller and 33% lighter design than its predecessor. The device boasts an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance and an improved battery life, offering 550 days of use on a replaceable CR2032 battery, extending to 790 days in power-saving mode. A significant update is its cross-OS compatibility, now supporting iOS devices in addition to Samsung phones, a feature intended for sharing tracking information with others. While retaining Samsung's Galaxy Find Network for tracking, the SmartTag 3 incorporates ultra-wideband (UWB) and Bluetooth 6.0 Channel Sounding for precise detection within 200 feet on compatible phones. The tracker also introduces new notification alerts for geofencing and movement detection. Initially launching in South Korea on October 7th, with other markets expected in 2027, Samsung has not yet confirmed US availability or pricing. The SmartTag 2 was priced similarly to Apple's AirTag and Google's Pixel Tag.

The broadened compatibility of Samsung's SmartTag 3 to include iOS marks a strategic shift, acknowledging the fragmented nature of the smart tracker market and prioritizing user-friendliness over ecosystem exclusivity. By enabling cross-platform sharing, Samsung aims to capture a wider audience seeking collaborative lost-item and pet tracking solutions, potentially challenging the established dominance of Apple's AirTag in certain use cases. This move suggests a growing industry trend toward interoperability, driven by consumer demand for seamless integration across diverse devices and operating systems.

The inclusion of UWB and Bluetooth 6.0 Channel Sounding, alongside enhanced geofencing and movement alerts, pushes the boundaries of precision finding and proactive notifications in personal tracking devices. Samsung's continued reliance on its proprietary Galaxy Find Network, rather than adopting Google's Find My Device, highlights a competitive landscape where network scale and integration capabilities are key differentiators. The iterative improvements in battery life and design, coupled with the lack of a definitive US price and release date, indicate a cautious market entry strategy, likely influenced by the pricing and feature sets of competitors like Apple and Google.