Two prominent Australian tech retailers, Officeworks and JB Hi-Fi have stopped Apple AirTag sales over child safety concerns. The Bluetooth tracking device’s easily replaceable CR2032 coin battery is deemed too easy to remove, which could cause choking hazard in children when swallowed.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Earlier in the week, Gizmodo Australia reported that Officeworks removed the Apple AirTag from their shelves just two weeks after release. Further enquiries by the platform reveal that the removal was triggered by fears that the coin battery – equivalent to the size of an Aussie 20 or 50 cent coin – can be effortlessly removed by children, increasing the chance of ingestion.
JB Hi-Fi was the next to discontinue AirTag sales and updated its website to list the product as unavailable (out of stock) and included a ‘Coin/button cell battery’ safety information. The product has also been delisted by BIG W; however it still listed by Harvey Norman and available online as well as in-stores directly from Apple.
Similar Bluetooth trackers from Tile and Samsung have non-removable batteries, which means they do not post safety hazards; however, they need to be disposed once the battery is flat. The product will continue to be unavailable for sale until these company receives further guidance from consumer watchdog, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), which is aware of the issue.
A statement by Apple confirms the AirTag was manufactured in full compliance with international safety standards which states how the battery compartment should be assessed when a screwdriver is not required. The accessory’s battery compartment can be removed by applying at least two independent or simultaneous hand movements.
Apple also confirms it will update the warning label on the package well ahead of the new Australian regulation set to commence by June 2020.