There have been rumors for some time that Apple is working on AirTags. However, even after two recent product launch events, there is still no sign of it materializing as an official product.

Apple may not be ready to show us what AirTags can do just yet, but a new patent makes it clear that AirTags are made for more than just finding keys. Someday, they could help save your life.

Patently Apple has discovered two new AirTag patents, and it appears that Apple has plans for AirTags to do more than simply locate personal property. Indeed, the patents detail, among other things, the use of these devices to locate people and emergency devices.

As detailed in the patent, the core function of AirTags is to monitor all of your stuff. These patents provide specific details on how to accomplish this, including the ability to track and triangulate objects using AirTag-specific fasteners, mounting bases, dedicated Apple Watch bands, and other Apple products.

But what about the rest? Finding emergency tools is really quite easy: AirTag can be attached to things like defibrillators and fire extinguishers so that someone can easily find them using their cell phone in an emergency. Finding a person is a little different; the patent illustrates a bracelet that can be worn by people who cannot (or do not want to) use more sophisticated devices.

Of course, there are problems with these ideas as well. The patent seems to detail an interface that directs the user directly to the nearest emergency facility rather than a less useful point on a map, but that's not all. Whether it is a server issue, unfamiliarity with the area, or the fact that not everyone has an iPhone, it is probably not a good idea to put all your faith in technology that is prone to malfunction. Similarly, tracking humans has all sorts of privacy and security implications, especially when children are involved.

For example, accurate ultra-wideband wireless positioning systems could be combined with AirTags to improve posture, or multiple AirTags could be worn to control video games.

It is not clear when AirTags will actually be available for purchase, but it is clear that Apple wants to make it more than just a Tile clone. It is one thing to patent an idea, it is another to actually implement it. No one knows when any of these hypothetical AirTag applications will see the light of day.