ElevationLabs TimeCapsule AirTag Battery Case: 10-Year Extended Life Guide [2025]

The Problem With Standard Air Tags: Battery Life Frustration

Your Air Tag dies. Again.

That tiny CR2032 battery that comes pre-installed? It's good for about a year, maybe 14 months if you're lucky and the Air Tag isn't pinging constantly. Then you're hunting for another coin cell battery, paying a couple bucks for something that costs pennies to manufacture, and swapping it out every time the notification pops up.

For most people, this cycle is annoying. For others—delivery drivers, contractors, fleet managers, adventurers—it's a legitimate productivity killer. You're constantly thinking about battery levels instead of focusing on what matters. One forgotten swap, and suddenly your critical tracking tool is dead weight in your backpack.

This is where the Elevation Labs Time Capsule enters the conversation. Instead of a single CR2032 battery lasting 12-14 months, you're looking at using two AA batteries that can keep your Air Tag running for approximately 10 years. That's not marketing hyperbole. That's physics.

We're going to walk through exactly what makes this case work, why the battery math actually pencils out, what you should know before buying, and whether it's worth your

TL; DR

• Extended lifespan: Two AA batteries provide up to 14x longer battery life than standard CR2032 cells
• Waterproof design: IP69 rated case protects your Air Tag from dust, water, and physical damage
• Compact and secure: Fiber-reinforced plastic case is only 4.45 x 1.57 inches with four-screw closure
• Best use cases: Vehicles, luggage, work bags, and any scenario requiring years-long tracking without maintenance
• Current deal: 30% off brings the price from
  $23 to$
  16, one of the better accessory deals for Air Tag owners

The TimeCapsule offers a competitive price of $16 with 10 years of battery extension, making it a cost-effective choice compared to the Nomad case and custom solutions. Estimated data for custom solutions.

Understanding Air Tag Battery Basics: Why Coin Cells Fall Short

Let's start with the fundamentals. An Air Tag runs on a single CR2032 lithium coin cell battery. This is a 3-volt, 220 milliampere-hour button battery that measures 20 millimeters in diameter and 3.2 millimeters thick. It's tiny. Incredibly tiny. The kind of battery you can lose in your couch.

Apple estimates this battery lasts about one year under normal usage conditions. In real-world testing by various tech outlets, that estimation holds up pretty well. Some people report 14-15 months. Others see the low battery warning after 10 months if they've got their Air Tag actively pinging multiple times per day.

Why so short? The Air Tag's Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) radio is constantly listening for Find My network requests. Even in low-power mode, it's consuming current. The CR2032's capacity—200 to 220 mAh depending on the brand—means you're draining a finite pool very deliberately.

The power consumption breakdown looks something like this:

• Bluetooth radio listening and scanning: 80-90% of power drain
• Accelerometer and motion detection: 5-10%
• Processing and chip functions: 2-5%

The real problem? There's no escaping this architecture. You can't optimize the software much further. The radio needs to stay on. It needs to listen. So the battery pays the price.

Now, Apple could've solved this by using a larger battery. A AA battery, for instance, has around 2,800 mAh of capacity. That's 10-12 times the capacity of a CR2032. But a AA battery is way too big for the sleek Air Tag design. You'd have a tracking device the size of a small bottle.

This is the compromise Apple made: elegance over longevity. The Air Tag fits in your wallet, your keychain, your pocket. The battery dies faster. That's the trade-off.

Elevation Labs looked at this problem and asked: what if you don't care about pocket-sized? What if you need the Air Tag to last a decade?

Lithium batteries offer the highest capacity and voltage stability, ideal for long-term use, despite their higher cost. Alkaline batteries are cost-effective for moderate use, while NiMH rechargeables require frequent recharging.

How the Elevation Labs Time Capsule Works: The Engineering Behind It

The Time Capsule is essentially a protective case that wraps around your Air Tag and replaces the single CR2032 battery with two AA batteries. Here's the critical part: it works because of simple voltage matching and a smart electrical design.

A single CR2032 is 3 volts. A single AA battery is 1.5 volts. Put two AAs in series (positive to negative, negative to positive), and you get 3 volts. That's exactly what the Air Tag expects.

The case itself is 4.45 inches long and 1.57 inches wide. You slot your Air Tag into one end, feed the two AA batteries into the other end, and screw down four corners to seal everything shut. The case is made from fiber-reinforced plastic, which means it's lighter than aluminum but stronger than standard ABS plastic.

The rated waterproof protection is IP69. Let's break that down:

• IP (Ingress Protection) is the international standard for sealing against solid objects and liquids
• First digit (6) = completely dust-tight, sealed against dust ingress
• Second digit (9) = protected against high-pressure water jets from all directions

IP69 is actually higher than IP67 (what most "waterproof" phones claim). You can literally submerge this case in water at decent depths, and nothing gets inside. That matters if your Air Tag lives in a vehicle or outdoor equipment bag.

The battery capacity math:

Elevation Labs bases their "10-year" claim on Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA batteries, which have approximately 2,850 mAh capacity. Compare that to a CR2032's 220 mAh, and you get this calculation:

But wait—the Time Capsule claims 14x longer life, not 26x. Why the difference?

Because battery capacity isn't the only variable. Energy efficiency, voltage regulation losses, and the actual power consumption curve of AA batteries versus coin cells factor in. Two AA batteries at 1.5 volts each do deliver more total energy, but there are conversion inefficiencies and the way alkaline batteries behave under load.

Still, 14x longer life is conservative. Some users report getting even more mileage by using high-performance lithium AAs instead of standard alkaline.

The Build Quality: Fiber-Reinforced Plastic and Sealed Design

One thing that might surprise you: the Time Capsule isn't metal. It's not aluminum. It's fiber-reinforced plastic.

That might sound cheap. It's not. Fiber-reinforced plastics (often called reinforced nylon or engineering-grade thermoplastics) are incredibly durable. They're used in automotive components, tool handles, and military equipment precisely because they offer exceptional strength-to-weight ratios and don't corrode.

Plastic also has advantages aluminum doesn't:

• No electromagnetic interference with the Bluetooth radio (aluminum would shield the signal)
• Lighter weight than metal, making it still fairly portable despite the added battery capacity
• Thermal stability across temperature ranges—plastic doesn't expand and contract the way metal does
• Lower manufacturing cost, which is why you're getting this at
  $16-23 instead of$
  50

The four-screw closure mechanism is straightforward. You unscrew the four corners, remove the Air Tag, insert the batteries, reinsert the Air Tag, and seal it back up. It takes maybe 90 seconds the first time, 20 seconds on subsequent battery replacements.

The seal is tight enough to achieve that IP69 rating, but not so tight that you need tools or superhuman strength to open it.

Dimension details matter for your use case:

• Length: 4.45 inches (113 mm)
• Width: 1.57 inches (40 mm)
• Depth: Not specified, but approximately 1 inch due to the battery compartment
• Weight: Around 2.5 ounces with batteries (compared to 0.39 ounces for a bare Air Tag)

That weight difference is significant. A standard Air Tag is negligible in your pocket. The Time Capsule with batteries is heavier—more like the weight of a deck of cards. It's still not burdensome, but you're going to feel it.

The TimeCapsule extends the AirTag's battery life from 1 year with a CR2032 battery to 10 years using two AA batteries, providing 25x more energy capacity.

Real-World Use Cases: Where This Actually Makes Sense

Not every Air Tag owner needs 10 years of battery life. If you're tracking your keys and you check them every six months, a standard Air Tag works fine.

But there are specific scenarios where the Time Capsule becomes genuinely useful:

Long-haul vehicle tracking is probably the primary use case. Installation company vans, delivery trucks, long-term loaners—vehicles that operate for years without major changes. You hide a Time Capsule-equipped Air Tag under the bumper or in the wheel well. It sits there for a decade, reporting location data the whole time. No battery swaps. No "oh crap, I forgot to replace the battery." It just works.

Luggage and travel gear is another strong fit. Serious travelers use multiple Air Tags on different bags. With standard batteries, that's five separate battery replacements per year across a suitcase set. With the Time Capsule, you could travel for years before worrying about batteries. Luxury luggage brands have actually started incorporating Air Tag attachment points specifically for extended trips.

Equipment and tool tracking for contractors and construction crews makes sense too. You're not replacing batteries on a cordless drill, a circular saw, or a level every year. You're also not going to remember to check your Air Tag battery status. The Time Capsule let's you set it and forget it.

Emergency preparedness and bug-out bags is a newer use case. People building emergency kits want systems that work for years without maintenance. An Air Tag with 10-year battery life means if you ever need to activate that emergency kit, the tracking device is still operational.

Outdoor adventure gear like backpacks for hiking expeditions, camping equipment, or climbing gear sees infrequent use but needs reliability when you deploy it. A Time Capsule-equipped Air Tag solves that perfectly.

There are also some creative hybrid uses:

• Gift items you're shipping to someone far away (knowing the package location for months)
• Archive boxes and storage units that move occasionally and need location tracking
• Rental equipment that changes hands frequently
• Art or collectibles being transported or stored long-term

Battery Chemistry 101: Why AA Choice Matters

Not all AA batteries are created equal. This matters because Elevation Labs specifically tested their claims using Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries, and your experience will vary depending on which batteries you buy.

Let's compare the main categories:

Alkaline batteries (Duracell Coppertop, Energizer Max) are the standard. They're cheap, widely available, and deliver decent performance. But their capacity drops significantly under high drain conditions. You'll get decent mileage, maybe 7-8 years instead of 10, depending on how often your Air Tag pings.

Lithium batteries (Energizer Ultimate Lithium, Tadiran) are superior for this application. They have higher energy density, better low-temperature performance, and maintain voltage more consistently throughout their discharge cycle. The tradeoff? They cost 2-3x more per pair. If you're putting batteries in that'll sit for 10 years, lithium is the right choice.

Rechargeable NiMH batteries (Eneloop, EBL) can technically work, but they're not ideal. They have lower voltage (1.2 volts per cell instead of 1.5) and much higher self-discharge rates. You'd need to recharge them every year or two, which defeats the purpose of getting a 10-year case.

Carbon-zinc batteries are the bargain basement option. Don't use these. They're worse than alkaline in every way and are mostly found in dollar stores.

Here's the energy comparison using typical specifications:

If you buy the Time Capsule and install alkaline batteries, you'll probably get 7-10 years. If you use Energizer Ultimate Lithium, closer to 10-14 years. That 14x claim assumes the best batteries in ideal conditions.

The TimeCapsule is currently priced at $16 on ElevationLabs, with slight variations across other retailers. Estimated data based on typical pricing differences.

Installation and Setup: Making It Work With Your Air Tag

Installing your Air Tag into the Time Capsule is straightforward, but let's walk through it step by step since this is a permanent installation you'll want to get right.

Step 1: Gather your materials. You need your Air Tag, two AA batteries (we recommend Energizer Ultimate Lithium based on Elevation Labs' testing), and a small Phillips head screwdriver. Most people find a jeweler's screwdriver works perfectly for the small screws.

Step 2: Prepare the case. Lay out the Time Capsule with the battery compartment facing toward you. You'll see four screws at the corners. Loosen these screws (don't remove them completely, just loosen them enough to create a gap you can work with). This is easier than fully removing them and then hunting for them under your couch.

Step 3: Insert the Air Tag. The Air Tag seats into the case with its white side facing outward and its metal side facing into the case. There's usually a little shelf or ridge that guides it into position. Slide it in gently until it clicks or seats flush.

Step 4: Insert the batteries. Check the polarity diagram printed inside the battery compartment (positive to negative). Slide the first AA battery in positive-end-first, then the second one. They should sit snugly but not require force.

Step 5: Seal and test. Once batteries are in, gently pull the case together and start tightening the four corner screws. Tighten them evenly in a crisscross pattern (top-left, bottom-right, top-right, bottom-left) to ensure even pressure. You want them snug enough to seal, not torqued down like a car engine.

Step 6: Verify in Find My. Open the Find My app and confirm the Air Tag is still broadcasting. You should see it in your device list. Click on it to verify the name and that it's responding. If it doesn't show up, open the case and double-check battery polarity.

One thing we haven't mentioned: the moment you install this case, your Air Tag's recognizability changes. The white plastic body is now hidden. If you're using this on a keychain, you might want to mark it somehow so you remember it's there. If it's in a vehicle or shipping box, anonymity is probably a feature.

Waterproofing Details: IP69 Explained and Tested

The IP69 waterproof rating deserves deeper explanation because it's one of the Time Capsule's strongest selling points and also frequently misunderstood.

IP codes have two digits. The first rates protection against solids (dust, dirt, fingers), and the second rates protection against liquids.

For the "6" rating (solids):

• IP6X means completely dust-tight
• No dust can enter the case, even with repeated, prolonged exposure
• The seal is absolute

For the "9" rating (liquids):

• IP69 is the highest rating available
• It means protection against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets from all directions
• The test involves directing a 100-bar (approximately 1,450 psi) water jet at the device from all angles
• This is actually harder to pass than IP67, which only requires brief immersion

To give you context, most waterproof phones (iPhone, Samsung Galaxy) claim IP67 or IP68. The "8" in IP68 means they can survive being submerged in up to 1-6 meters of water for up to 30 minutes. The Time Capsule's IP69 is actually a higher standard.

Why does this matter? Because real-world water exposure includes:

• Rain and splash: Easily handled by IP69
• Submersion in water: Easily handled by IP69
• High-pressure rinse (car wash): Specifically tested in IP69
• Salt water and chlorinated water: No specific test, but the sealed design protects against corrosion

The one thing to note: the four screws are stainless steel or coated steel, which is corrosion-resistant but not necessarily saltwater-proof. If you're using this in a marine environment (boat, fishing gear, ocean expeditions), inspect the screws occasionally and apply a light oil to prevent corrosion.

We haven't seen independent tear-down tests of the Time Capsule, but the fact that Elevation Labs lists IP69 certification (rather than just claiming it) suggests they've had it tested by third-party labs. IP ratings don't come cheap—you're looking at hundreds or thousands in testing fees—so the fact they got certified suggests they're confident in the design.

The ElevationLabs TimeCapsule uses two AA batteries, providing a combined capacity of 5700 mAh, significantly higher than a single CR2032 battery's 220 mAh. This results in a much longer lifespan for the device.

Comparing Battery Options: Time Capsule vs. Alternatives

The Time Capsule isn't the only way to extend Air Tag battery life. Let's look at the landscape:

Stock Air Tag approach: Replace the CR2032 every 12-14 months. Cost per year:

Cheaper protective cases: You can find basic plastic or leather cases for $5-15 that don't do anything for battery life. They just protect the Air Tag from drops and scratches. Battery lifespan unchanged at 12-14 months. Advantage: inexpensive. Disadvantage: no battery extension.

Metal protective cases: Aluminum or steel cases run $15-30 and offer better durability. Disadvantage: metal conducts heat and can shield the Bluetooth antenna, potentially reducing range by 20-30%. Battery life still unchanged at 12-14 months.

DIY external battery packs: Tech hobbyists have created custom external battery cases using solar panels, supercapacitors, or rechargeable batteries. Advantage: potentially infinite battery life if solar works. Disadvantage: bulky, homemade, unreliable, and voids any warranty. Not recommended for critical tracking.

Professional tracking devices: Tile, Samsung Smart Tags, and other competitors offer longer battery life out of the box (some claim 3-4 years). But they cost more upfront ($20-40), have their own ecosystem limitations, and aren't compatible with Apple's Find My network if you're in the Apple ecosystem.

For pure value in the Apple ecosystem, the Time Capsule's $16-23 price point for 10+ years of tracking is hard to beat.

The $16 Deal: Is 30% Off the Right Time to Buy?

The Time Capsule normally retails for

Let's evaluate whether this is actually a good deal:

Historical pricing context: We don't have extensive historical data, but similar battery extension cases (not specifically for Air Tags, but for other devices) show that 25-35% off is roughly the standard "sale" discount. Full-price MSRP suggests it's genuinely the retail target, not an inflated anchor price.

Value calculation: At

Competitive comparison: There aren't many direct competitors. The closest is the Nomad case, which runs $25 and offers similar protection but no battery extension. For pure battery extension, you're looking at custom solutions that cost more or work less reliably.

Seasonality: Battery-related accessories don't have strong seasonal patterns. If you need it, now is as good a time as any. If you're undecided, waiting for a future 40% sale is possible but not guaranteed.

Purchase timing: The question is really: do you have an Air Tag that needs long-term tracking? If yes, $16 is a fair price. If you're buying hypothetically, you might wait until you have a specific use case.

The Bluetooth radio in an AirTag is responsible for the majority of power consumption, using approximately 85% of the battery's capacity. Estimated data.

Longevity Claims: Are They Real or Marketing?

This is the critical question: does the Time Capsule actually keep an Air Tag running for 10 years, or is that optimistic marketing?

The answer is: it depends, but it's more real than not.

The optimistic scenario: You install Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA batteries, place the Air Tag in a vehicle that pings the Find My network 2-3 times per day, keep it in moderate climate conditions (not extreme heat or cold), and don't accidentally drain the batteries early. In this scenario, 10+ years of battery life is absolutely achievable. The math works out. The energy density is there.

The realistic scenario: You install good-quality lithium AAs, place the Air Tag somewhere with moderate to frequent network pinging (maybe 5-10 times per day), and climate conditions vary seasonally. In this scenario, you're looking at 7-9 years. Still dramatically better than the 1-year life of a standard battery.

The worst-case scenario: You install bargain-basement alkaline batteries, place the Air Tag in a high-use scenario (like a delivery vehicle that pings hundreds of times per day), or expose it to temperature extremes. You might get 4-6 years. Still better than standard batteries, but not the 10-year promise.

What's important to understand is that the "10 years" claim is based on actual power consumption data and Energizer's published battery capacity specs. It's not a guess. It's engineering.

The variability comes from real-world factors that Elevation Labs can't control: your battery choice, your environmental conditions, the specific Air Tag's manufacturing variance, and your usage patterns.

Where Not to Use the Time Capsule

Honest assessment: this product isn't for everyone or every Air Tag.

Keychain tracking probably doesn't benefit from a Time Capsule. You have your keys on you regularly, so you notice when they're missing immediately. A standard Air Tag's 1-year battery life is fine. Adding the bulk of a Time Capsule to your keychain just makes your pocket heavier. Skip it.

Everyday item tracking (wallet, bag, backpack) where you use the Air Tag actively is also not ideal. You don't need 10 years of battery. You need a lightweight option. The Time Capsule's added weight matters more than the battery extension.

Frequent travelers who replace bags seasonally might not benefit either. If you swap bags every season and update your Air Tag locations anyway, there's no advantage to the extended battery life.

Harsh freshwater environments (rivers, lakes, whitewater sports) could be problematic not because of the waterproofing but because of the battery compartment screws. Repeated exposure to flowing water and sand can eventually work their way into the seal.

Environments with extreme temperature swings reduce battery performance significantly. In arctic cold, alkaline batteries lose 30-50% of their capacity. Lithium batteries fare better, but it's still a factor. If your Air Tag lives somewhere that hits -40°F regularly, plan for shorter battery life than rated.

High-value items you actively track and check often might be better served with a standard case for lightweight convenience. The battery extension doesn't add value if you're checking on the Air Tag weekly and wouldn't mind swapping the battery.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care

One advantage of the Time Capsule that doesn't get discussed: it's much easier to maintain than constant battery swaps.

When you do eventually need to replace the batteries (probably 7-10 years from now), you simply unscrew the case and swap the AAs. The Air Tag itself never needs replacing. No need to re-pair, no need to reconfigure. Just new batteries, and you're good for another decade.

For long-term storage of the Time Capsule before use:

• Store it in a cool, dry place (room temperature, normal humidity)
• If you're not planning to use it for months, you can leave the batteries installed without issues
• If storing for years before activation, consider removing the batteries and storing them separately to prevent battery leakage (though modern batteries leak less than older chemistries)
• The fiber-reinforced plastic won't degrade over time under normal conditions

For active maintenance while in use:

• No special care is needed
• Check the battery level in the Find My app every 2-3 years
• If you notice the Air Tag not responding, open the case and verify battery polarity before assuming battery failure
• If exposed to harsh environments (saltwater, mud, sand), rinse with fresh water and dry before storing

Alternatives and Competitive Landscape

Let's look at what else is available if the Time Capsule doesn't suit your needs:

Nomad Air Tag cases ($25) offer excellent design and ruggedness but no battery extension. If protection and aesthetics matter more than battery life, Nomad is a better choice.

Leather Air Tag holders from various makers ($8-20) provide classic styling without battery benefits. These are for people who want their Air Tag to match their aesthetic rather than extend its lifespan.

Carabiner Air Tag holders ($5-15) let you attach Air Tags to gear without adding much bulk. Again, no battery extension, but great for hikers and outdoor folks.

Third-party tracking devices (Tile, Samsung Smart Tag+) offer 3-4 year battery life out of the box and broader platform compatibility. Tile works across iOS and Android. Smart Tag works best with Samsung devices. Both have larger ecosystems but can't piggyback on Apple's massive Find My network the way Air Tags can.

DIY solutions abound on Reddit and maker forums: people have created custom external battery packs using 18650 lithium cells, solar charging panels, and supercapacitors. These are fun projects but unreliable for critical tracking tasks.

Within the strict Air Tag accessory category, the Time Capsule is genuinely alone in the "long-term battery extension" lane. That's not because other companies don't want to make them. It's because the engineering and manufacturing to get IP69 waterproofing at a $20-25 price point is harder than it looks.

The Bigger Picture: Air Tag Ecosystem and Long-Term Viability

Before committing to the Time Capsule, consider whether Air Tags themselves will remain relevant in 10 years.

Apple has sold Air Tags since April 2021. The Find My network includes over 1 billion Apple devices globally. This network effect is powerful. To make your Air Tag stop working, Apple would essentially have to discontinue the entire Find My service, which seems extremely unlikely given how central it is to the Apple ecosystem.

On the hardware side, Air Tag design is conservative. There are no moving parts, no displays, no complex circuitry. An Air Tag from 2021 works identically to an Air Tag from 2025. There's very little reason for Apple to change the form factor or battery type in the next 5-10 years.

Would a long-term firmware update eventually disable older Air Tags? Theoretically possible, but Apple's history with hardware longevity suggests they maintain compatibility. iPhones from 2015 still work on modern iOS (with limitations). Air Tags are simpler. If anything, they should have longer effective lifespans.

The real wildcard is if Apple launches a replacement product with a different tracking technology, different battery type, or incompatible hardware. But given how recently they released Air Tags and how well they're selling, we're probably at least 5-7 years away from any successor product.

For the next 10 years? Your Air Tag investment is safe.

Making the Decision: Who Should Buy This?

Definitely buy if:

• You're tracking vehicles or equipment that you'll own for years without changes
• You want to set it and forget it without battery maintenance
• You're already using Air Tags and are tired of the annual replacement ritual
• Your use case benefits from waterproofing (boats, outdoor gear, harsh environments)
• You value the convenience premium enough to pay $16-23

Maybe buy if:

• You're undecided about long-term Air Tag usage and want to hedge your bet
• You have one specific high-value use case but not multiple Air Tags that need tracking
• You're willing to pay slightly more for peace of mind

Skip it if:

• Your Air Tags are for everyday items (keys, wallet, bag) you check frequently
• Weight and bulk matter to you
• You've budgeted tight and can replace batteries as needed
• You're only occasionally tracking things

Pricing and Where to Buy

At the moment, the Time Capsule is available at the discounted price of

Purchase considerations:

• Check multiple retailers before buying. Amazon sometimes has different pricing than direct from Elevation Labs
• Buy from a vendor with a return policy. If the case doesn't work with your setup, you want to be able to send it back
• Verify you're buying the current version. Elevation Labs has iterated on their case designs over the years
• Consider buying in bulk if you have multiple Air Tags. Buying five at 30% off still beats buying one at full price

Bundling opportunities: Some retailers package Air Tags with protective cases. If you're buying fresh Air Tags and a Time Capsule together, look for bundle deals.

The Bottom Line

The Time Capsule solves a specific problem elegantly: if you need an Air Tag to last years without battery maintenance, this is your answer. The engineering is sound. The IP69 waterproofing is legitimate. The battery capacity math checks out.

At $16, it's priced fairly for what you're getting. You're not overpaying for hype. You're buying actual engineering and materials that deliver on the promise.

The only question is whether your use case actually needs a 10-year battery life. For a significant percentage of Air Tag users (vehicle owners, gear trackers, long-term travelers, safety-conscious people), the answer is yes. For everyone else, a standard Air Tag works fine.

If you've read this far and thought "yes, I have Air Tags that would benefit from this," then the deal makes sense. If you've been thinking "meh, I don't really need this," then you probably don't.

The best purchase decision isn't based on the discount. It's based on whether you have a genuine use case for extended battery life.

FAQ

What exactly is the Elevation Labs Time Capsule?

The Time Capsule is a waterproof protective case for Apple Air Tags that uses two AA batteries instead of the standard single CR2032 battery. This extends the battery life from approximately 12-14 months to roughly 10 years, depending on battery type and usage patterns. The case is fiber-reinforced plastic, measures 4.45 x 1.57 inches, and achieves IP69 waterproof certification, making it suitable for harsh environments, vehicles, and long-term storage.

How does the Time Capsule extend battery life to 10 years?

The Time Capsule works by replacing the single CR2032 battery (approximately 220 mAh) with two AA batteries wired in series (approximately 2,800-2,850 mAh each). Two AA batteries provide roughly 25x more energy capacity than a single coin cell. While the case's claims assume 14x lifespan extension (accounting for efficiency losses and usage patterns), the math is based on Energizer Ultimate Lithium battery specifications and actual Air Tag power consumption data. Using high-quality lithium AA batteries instead of alkaline delivers the best results.

Is the Time Capsule actually waterproof, and what does IP69 mean?

Yes, the Time Capsule is genuinely waterproof with an IP69 rating, which is the highest waterproofing standard available. The "6" means completely dust-tight, and the "9" means protection against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets from all directions (tested at 100 bar of pressure). This makes it suitable for car washes, submersion in water, rain exposure, and even saltwater environments. The rubber seals and screw design create a watertight compartment that exceeds the waterproofing of most smartphones.

Which AA batteries should I use in the Time Capsule for best results?

Elevation Labs tested their 10-year claims using Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA batteries, which have approximately 2,850 mAh capacity and excellent low-temperature performance. Standard alkaline batteries (Duracell, Energizer Max) will also work and cost less, but typically provide only 7-9 years of battery life instead of the full 10 years. Avoid rechargeable NiMH batteries, which have lower voltage (1.2V instead of 1.5V) and higher self-discharge rates. Carbon-zinc batteries should not be used as they have poor capacity and lifespan.

Does the Time Capsule work with all Air Tag models?

The Time Capsule is designed for standard Air Tags. It may not be compatible with custom or modified Air Tags, but it works with every official Air Tag that Apple sells. The case doesn't alter the Air Tag's Bluetooth functionality or change how it communicates with the Find My network. Once installed, the Air Tag performs identically to a standard Air Tag—the only difference is the dramatically extended battery life and improved durability.

What's the actual real-world battery life compared to the advertised 10 years?

Real-world battery life depends on several factors: battery brand (lithium beats alkaline), usage intensity (frequent Find My pinging drains batteries faster), and environmental conditions (extreme cold reduces capacity by 20-50%). In realistic scenarios with quality lithium batteries and moderate usage, expect 8-10 years. With standard alkaline batteries, expect 6-8 years. Worst-case scenarios with heavy usage and alkaline batteries might see 4-6 years. Even the conservative estimates beat standard Air Tag battery life by 5-10x.

Is the 30% discount a good deal, or should I wait for a better price?

The 30% discount brings the Time Capsule from

What are the best use cases for the Time Capsule?

The Time Capsule excels in scenarios where you want an Air Tag to work reliably for years without maintenance: vehicle tracking (delivery vans, fleets, loaners), luggage and travel gear, contractor equipment, emergency preparedness kits, outdoor adventure gear, rental equipment, and archive boxes. It's less suited for everyday items like keys or wallets where you benefit from lightweight design, or for frequently-checked items where battery extension doesn't add value.

Can I use the Time Capsule in saltwater or marine environments?

Yes, the Time Capsule is rated for saltwater exposure due to its IP69 waterproofing. However, the four stainless steel corner screws can eventually corrode if exposed to saltwater repeatedly without maintenance. After saltwater exposure, rinse the case with fresh water and dry thoroughly before storing. Occasional marine use is fine; continuous saltwater immersion over years may require periodic screw inspection or light oiling to prevent corrosion.

How long does it take to replace the batteries in the Time Capsule?

The first battery installation takes about 90 seconds once you've gathered materials (Air Tag, batteries, small Phillips screwdriver). Subsequent replacements take about 20 seconds. You simply loosen the four corner screws, remove the old batteries, insert new ones (verifying polarity), and retighten the screws. No re-pairing required. The entire process is straightforward and requires no special tools or technical knowledge.

Will the Time Capsule work in 10 years if Air Tag technology changes?

Apple's Find My network has been stable since Air Tags launched in 2021, and the likelihood of Apple discontinuing support for existing Air Tags is extremely low. Air Tag design is conservative with no moving parts or complex electronics, making long-term compatibility likely. However, if Apple launches a completely different tracking product or changes the Find My protocol dramatically (unlikely in the next 5-10 years), your Air Tag would eventually become obsolete. Current technology trends suggest Air Tags will remain functional and compatible for the entire 10-year lifetime of the Time Capsule batteries.

Key Takeaways

• TimeCapsule extends AirTag battery life from 12-14 months to 7-10+ years using two AA batteries instead of single CR2032
• IP69 waterproof rating makes this case suitable for vehicles, maritime use, outdoor gear, and harsh environments
• Battery choice matters significantly: Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries achieve the advertised 10-year lifespan, while alkaline batteries deliver 7-8 years
• At 30% off (
  $16 vs$
  23), the TimeCapsule pays for itself within 3-4 years through avoided battery replacement costs and maintenance hassle
• Best suited for long-term tracking scenarios (vehicles, luggage, equipment) rather than everyday items like keys or wallets

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