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| The Time Capsule powers an Apple AirTag with AAA batteries. |
If you’ve ever wished your Apple AirTag’s battery lasted more than a year, you’re not alone. Last December, accessory maker Elevation Lab offered an ambitious solution: the TimeCapsule, a rugged case powered by two AA batteries that promised a staggering ten-year lifespan. The only catch? Its substantial size. Now, the company is addressing that very feedback with a sleek, redesigned model that cuts the bulk in half, albeit with a adjusted power promise.
The New Compact TimeCapsule: Smaller Size, Still Marathon Battery Life
The newly announced TimeCapsule shifts from AA to two AAA batteries. This simple change reduces the case’s volume by approximately 50%, making it far more pocket-friendly and discreet for everyday carry. The trade-off is a reduction in the projected battery life, but it’s a trade that many will happily make. Instead of a decade, the new model is rated for a five-year battery span.
Even at half the duration, that’s still five times longer than the standard CR2032 coin cell inside a naked AirTag, which typically needs replacing every 12 months. For users tired of annual battery swaps, this is a game-changer. Elevation Lab provides a specific recommendation to achieve that five-year benchmark: use Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries. The company cautions against alkaline batteries due to their higher self-discharge rate, and notes that rechargeable NiMH batteries, with their lower voltage, will likely result in a shorter operational window.
More Than Just Battery Life: Unmatched Ruggedness
Beyond the extraordinary battery performance, the TimeCapsule’s core advantage remains its rugged, protective design. It carries an IP69 rating, signifying supreme protection against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets. This surpasses the AirTag’s native IP67 rating (which protects against temporary immersion). This makes the combination ideal for harsh environments.
“This means that an AirTag in a TimeCapsule is also suitable for tracking wet luggage on boats, or gear on construction sites, or anything that might face extreme conditions,” the company notes. It’s not just about losing your keys between the couch cushions anymore; it’s about tracking items in pouring rain, muddy trails, or other scenarios where a standard AirTag might fail.
For those interested in the details of this compact powerhouse, you can find full specifications and direct ordering information on Elevation Lab’s official product page for the AirTag Compact Battery Case.
Price, Availability, and Who It’s For
The new compact Elevation Lab TimeCapsule is available now for $19.99 exclusively through the manufacturer’s online store. It represents a compelling middle ground. The original 10-year AA model remains for those who prioritize maximum time between changes above all else. This new AAA version, however, is for the vast majority of users who want a significant, multi-year battery boost in a package that doesn’t dramatically alter the AirTag’s practical size.
It’s a smart evolution of a clever product, offering a more balanced solution for anyone looking to supercharge their AirTag’s endurance and durability without the bulk. For frequent travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, or just anyone prone to misplacing items in tough spots, this compact case might finally make the “set it and forget it” AirTag experience a reality.
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| The older version of the TimeCapsule has a runtime of 10 years, but is also significantly larger due to its use of two AA batteries. |