In today’s world, GPS and tracking technology are all around us. It is easy to group them all together and assume the technology is all the same. However, when it comes to tracking assets for commercial use, choosing the right technology comes down to performance, reliability, and operational fit. A question that comes up periodically is, “why can’t I just use an AirTag to track that asset?” While Apple AirTags have gained traction for personal use, they simply aren’t built for the demands of commercial environments. Here's why GPS tracking devices are a smarter choice for businesses.
1. Real-Time Tracking and Global Coverage
GPS trackers use satellite and cellular networks to deliver real-time location data with wide-area or even global coverage. Whether you're tracking vehicles, equipment, or other mobile assets, this level of visibility is essential for businesses operating across regions or states.
AirTags, by contrast, don’t have GPS and instead depend on the presence of nearby Apple devices to update their location. In areas with low iOS user density, location information can be unavailable or unreliable, creating blind spots. This can cause tracking delays that could impact your business.
2. Comprehensive Data and Analytics
Commercial GPS solutions go far beyond location pins. As an integral component of a business’s operations, these systems provide vast data needed to manage many assets at once, including:
AirTags offer minimal data: the last known location and limited timestamp information. That might suffice for locating a misplaced item, but likely falls short for tracking location patterns, monitoring logistics, or making data-informed decisions about asset usage.
3. Scalability for Larger Operations
Businesses often need to track dozens, hundreds or even thousands of assets at once. Commercial GPS platforms are designed for that scale, with centralized dashboards with account level visibility, permission settings and other enterprise level user management.
AirTags are tied to individual Apple IDs and have a limit on how many devices can be tracked at once. This limitation makes them impractical for enterprise-grade deployments in most cases.
4. Enhanced Security Features
GPS trackers are built for discretion and durability. Many can be concealed within vehicles or equipment and are designed to resist tampering or removal. Some models even include tamper alerts, backup batteries, and motion detection.
AirTags are designed to track personal items and alert nearby users when they’re separated from the owner.
5. Privacy Alerts That Undermine Business Use
One of the most overlooked drawbacks of AirTags for business use is their built-in anti-stalking feature. If an AirTag is moving with someone who isn’t the owner, their iPhone will eventually notify them. The device may even emit a sound to call attention to itself.
While that’s an important privacy feature for personal safety, it works against business intent. Imagine using an AirTag to monitor a delivery truck or loaned equipment—only for the driver or client to receive an unexpected warning that they're being tracked. At best, it causes confusion. At worst, it leads to complaints, disablement of the tracking ability or the removal of the tracking device entirely.
GPS tracking devices don’t have these limitations. They’re intended for authorized, commercial use and function quietly in the background, delivering consistent data without disrupting operations.
6. Integration With Business Systems
Another major advantage: GPS trackers can plug into the broader ecosystem of your operations. From ERP systems to telematics platforms, commercial-grade trackers can share data, trigger workflows, and improve visibility across departments.
AirTags lack this kind of integration. Their utility ends at the Apple Find My app, with no options for deeper connectivity or automation.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that it may be tempting to try to use an Apple Airtag for your asset tracking needs. They are small, easy to use and inexpensive. However, they are simply not built for this purpose. For commercial applications, GPS tracking devices offer a clear advantage over Apple AirTags. They provide real-time visibility, robust data, enterprise scalability, and seamless system integration without triggering privacy alerts or creating confusion in the field.
If you're serious about protecting your assets and optimizing your operations, it's worth investing in tools designed for the job. AirTags may work fine for finding your keys or luggage—but when it comes to tracking business-critical assets, you need something purpose-built for the road ahead.
