The batteries in AirTags will eventually need to be replaced, but according to Apple, batteries with a bitter coating should be avoided.

Batteries with a bitter coating may stop children (or pets) from eating the battery, but Apple's support page claims it may not work. Why? Because the coating itself may interfere with the battery contacts.

"CR2032 batteries with a bitter coating may not work with AirTag or other battery-powered products, depending on the positioning of the coating relative to the battery contacts.

Simply put, the bitter coating on these types of CR2032 batteries can cause alignment problems inside the AirTag. As a result, the AirTag will not work, a situation that is best avoided when a key is lost.

Apple has come under fire for its AirTag batteries, particularly in Australia, where retailers have removed the product from their shelves due to safety concerns. Subsequently, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission issued a safety warning.

These concerns were spurred by the fact that children could (and have) eaten the batteries, resulting in serious injury and, in extreme cases, death. Basically, it is every parent's worst nightmare, and one can understand the appeal of using bitter-coated batteries.

The idea is that the coating is smelly and tasteless, making it more likely that children and animals will spit them out intact. Nintendo has put a bitter coating on Switch cartridges for this very reason.

The Air Tag does not have and will never have a rechargeable battery. This is because the small size makes the task of adding a charging port or wireless charging coil impractical. Not to mention that if the ports are open, it will be difficult for Apple to give the tag the same IP67 dust and water resistance that it currently has.

If you are concerned about the safety of children (or pets), you could try a battery with a bitter coating. Just keep in mind that they may not work properly.