TimeCapsule battery case boosts AirTag life to astonishing 10 years

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TimeCapsule AirTag battery case
TimeCapsule has its drawbacks, but battery life shouldn't be one of them.
Photo: ElevationLab

Want to extend your AirTag’s battery life to 10 years and keep the tracker dry and concealed? Well, that’s easy to do with ElevationLab’s innovative new TimeCapsule AirTag battery case. The weatherproof case keeps an AirTag safe and sound — and frees you from swapping out the Apple tracking tag’s coin-shaped batteries every year.

ElevationLab TimeCapsule AirTag case

10 years of battery life
ElevationLab TimeCapsule 10-Year AirTag Battery case
$19.99

ElevationLab calls it a "10-year battery case" for AirTag. With the recommnded AA batteries, it features 14 time more capacity than CR2032 It also boasts IP69 waterproofing.

Pros:
  • 10-year battery life
  • Waterproofing
  • Conceals AirTag
Cons:
  • Add size and weight to AirTag
  • Muffles AirTag chirp sound
01/03/2025 01:59 am GMT

Apple’s AirTag gives you an easy way to keep tabs on your keys, luggage or anything else you attach it to (or stash it inside). However, if you own lots of AirTags — and you really should! — changing the batteries can become tedious.

The TimeCapsule AirTag 10-Year Battery AirTag changes the equation. The case should grab AirTag owners’ attention due to its impressive 10-year battery life. Instead of relying on the standard CR2032 coin cell battery that requires (at least) annual replacement, TimeCapsule accommodates two AA batteries to power AirTag functionality. ElevationLab says it’s easy to put an AirTag in a TimeCapsule, offering these instructions: “Discard AirTag’s battery and door, place on custom contact, install batteries, screw shut.”

Since the TimeCapsule AirTag battery case adds some bulk, it obviously won’t work for every application. Putting an AirTag in a case that measures 4.45 inches by 1.57 inches by 0.75 inches means you probably don’t want to attach it to your keychain or strap it to your dog’s collar. TimeCapsule is more about stashing an AirTag in or on a large object so you can keep track of it for up to a decade.

For instance, you could toss an AirTag into a big suitcase and forget about it. You could even expose the AirTag to harsh weather without worry. ElevationLab recommends using TimeCapsule on “vehicles, trailers, motorcycles, luggage, camera bags, backpacks, canoes, snowmobiles, tool boxes, etc.”

To achieve that 10-year AirTag battery life, ElevationLab specifically recommends using Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA batteries, which boast a capacity exceeding 3,000mAh and provide 1.5V each. These high-capacity batteries not only deliver extended longevity but also offer superior protection against leaks and corrosion compared to traditional alkaline alternatives, according to ElevationLab said.

AirTag battery case won’t compromise signal strength

The TimeCapsule’s AirTag battery case’s construction features a fiber-reinforced polycarbonate housing that maintains the tracking tag’s full functionality without compromising signal strength. According to ElevationLab’s Casey Hopkins, the case’s design ensures unimpeded transmission of both Bluetooth and Ultra-Wideband signals. That means the precision finding tool in the Find My app will work beautifully.

The TimeCapsule also boasts an IP69 rating — the highest available protection against water, dust and dirt ingress. That makes it ideal for outdoor and rugged applications. The case’s design serves an additional practical purpose by camouflaging the AirTag to resemble a standard external storage drive, potentially deterring unwanted attention. This feature, combined with its robust construction, makes it particularly suitable for tracking larger items such as vehicles.

What are the tradeoffs?

While the TimeCapsule AirTag battery case offers unprecedented durability and battery life, these improvements come with trade-offs. In addition to the larger size, the battery case increases the AirTag’s weight significantly, from 0.39 ounces to 3.5 ounces. Additionally, users may notice the TimeCapsule muffles AirTag’s audible chirp, reducing the sound by about one-third. That could slightly inhibit your ability to find the AirTag by sound alone.

And while the case supports alternative battery types, including rechargeable nickel-metal hydride cells, these options may not achieve the same impressive longevity as the recommended lithium batteries.

ElevationLab sells individual TimeCapsule AirTag battery cases for $19.99, or you can opt for a two-pack at $29.99 or a four-pack at $39.99. While the initial investment includes only the case, users will need to factor in the cost of their chosen batteries separately.

Buy from: Amazon or ElevationLab

10 years of battery life
ElevationLab TimeCapsule 10-Year AirTag Battery case
$19.99

ElevationLab calls it a "10-year battery case" for AirTag. With the recommnded AA batteries, it features 14 time more capacity than CR2032 It also boasts IP69 waterproofing.

Pros:
  • 10-year battery life
  • Waterproofing
  • Conceals AirTag
Cons:
  • Add size and weight to AirTag
  • Muffles AirTag chirp sound
01/03/2025 01:59 am GMT

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