Galaxy SmartTag3 iPhone Support Arrives With Missing Features
Samsung released its Galaxy SmartTag3 in the US on November 6, 2026, for $29.99, introducing direct registration for iPhone users through the SmartThings app while keeping three core tracking features exclusive to compatible Galaxy devices, techrepublic.com reported.
The hardware redesign shrinks the tracker down by 35% and makes it 33% lighter than its predecessor by removing the built-in mounting loop, 9to5google.com reported. It relies on the Galaxy Find Network, which uses a global network of over 900 million participating Galaxy devices.
Apple’s competing second-generation AirTag retails for the same price of $29, operating exclusively on Apple’s Find My network and requiring iOS 26 or later, whereas Samsung’s tracker requires iOS 17 or later.
What Works on iOS and What Stays Exclusive
iPhone owners can register the SmartTag3 directly without needing a Galaxy smartphone. They can locate tags, share them with family members, and use the Search Nearby function. However, Samsung’s official product documentation confirms that three specific capabilities remain locked behind the Galaxy ecosystem.
Compass View, which provides directional guidance, does not work on iOS devices. Ring Phone, which sounds a connected phone using the tag, and Left Behind Alert, which warns users when an item is left behind, are also absent. Trusted Reviews noted that activating Power Saving Mode to push battery life from the typical 550 days up to 790 days also deactivates volume, ringtone settings, and Compass View.
SmartTag3 Uses Bluetooth 6.0 and UWB with Platform Restrictions
The SmartTag3 utilizes Bluetooth 6.0 with channel sounding and UWB for precise finding. Trusted Reviews reported that both trackers carry an IP67 dust and water resistance rating, ensuring durability against temporary submersion.
Despite opening registration to iOS, Samsung confirmed to Android Authority that the SmartTag3 still does not support non-Galaxy Android devices, such as Google Pixel hardware, leaving those users without native integration into Google’s wider Find Hub network. Trusted Reviews highlighted that Apple’s AirTag similarly restricts its pairing capabilities to iOS devices while allowing Android phones to scan a lost tag to retrieve owner information.
| Feature | Galaxy SmartTag3 | Apple AirTag (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| US Price | $29.99 | $29.00 |
| Finding Network | Galaxy Find Network | Apple Find My |
| OS Requirement | iOS 17+ | iOS 26+ |
| Directional Finding on iPhone | No | Yes |
| Left-Behind Alerts on iPhone | No | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP67 | IP67 |
Global Rollout Timeline
Trusted Reviews reported that the SmartTag3 launched first in Korea before its US release, with additional international markets scheduled to follow throughout 2027. Exact pricing and rollout dates for these secondary territories remain unannounced by Samsung.
