Apple AirTag Wallet Card: Slim & Convenient Tracking

Modifying Apple AirTags for a Slimmer Profile

Apple’s recently released AirTag tracking devices are compact, yet their dimensions prevent seamless integration into most wallets without noticeable protrusion.

However, a resourceful AirTag user discovered a solution involving a heat gun, soldering expertise, and a 3D printer – acknowledging the potential risk of damaging the device during the modification process.

Disassembly and Reconfiguration

Andrew Ngai identified that the AirTag’s thickness stemmed from the vertical stacking of its printed circuit board (PCB) and battery. He then embarked on a project to arrange these components side-by-side.

Utilizing guides from iFixit, which offer detailed internal views of the AirTag, Andrew carefully disassembled the tracker to its core elements.

After verifying the functionality of the disassembled parts, he designed and 3D printed a new enclosure.

Subsequently, he soldered wires to establish a connection between the board and the battery, accommodating the altered spatial arrangement.

The reassembly proved successful, resulting in a significantly slimmer AirTag profile, completed shortly after the device’s initial release.

Sharing the Solution

Recognizing the complexity of the project, Andrew has simplified a key step for others interested in replicating his work.

He has made the STL file for the custom 3D-printed card holder freely available on Thingiverse.

Alternatively, users could opt for a Tile Slim tracker, though this would forgo the engaging challenge of soldering and 3D printing.

[Source: 9to5mac]