Samsung introduced the Galaxy SmartTag 3 at the same event that revealed the Galaxy Tab S12 series, highlighting a notable change: the new Bluetooth tracker can be used with Apple iPhones as well as Samsung devices. The compatibility requires the Samsung SmartThings app, which the company updated shortly before the announcement.
Features and Pricing of the Galaxy SmartTag 3
The SmartTag 3 retains Samsung’s proprietary Galaxy Find Network for locating items, rather than integrating with Apple’s Find My network. Because of this, iPhone owners must install the SmartThings app to access the tag’s functions. Samsung rolled out a fresh version of the app a day before the product launch, ensuring iOS users could immediately benefit from the new hardware.
Physically, the SmartTag 3 is smaller and lighter than its predecessor, the SmartTag 2. Samsung also extended the battery lifespan, advertising up to 550 days of operation on a single coin cell. In the United States, the device will be available in November at a price of $29.99 for a single unit or $99.99 for a four‑pack, aligning its cost with that of Apple’s AirTag.
While the core tracking capabilities work across platforms, certain features remain exclusive to Samsung phones. The Compass View, which provides directional guidance to a lost item, is not supported on iPhones. Moreover, Compass View is limited even within Samsung’s own lineup, with the company listing only four Galaxy models that can use the feature.
Implications for Samsung’s Ecosystem
Samsung’s decision to open the SmartTag 3 to iPhone users reflects a broader, incremental shift in its approach to cross‑platform compatibility. The company has previously experimented with iOS support on other devices. Earlier Galaxy smartwatches were compatible with iPhones, but Samsung later discontinued that support as newer Wear OS models became more tightly integrated with Android and Galaxy‑specific services. Samsung explained that the withdrawal was intended to deliver the best possible experience, which it felt was constrained by iOS limitations.
SmartTag 3 differs because its primary function—locating keys, luggage, or backpacks—does not inherently depend on a Galaxy phone. By allowing iPhone users to benefit from the tag, Samsung removes a barrier for mixed‑device households where one partner may use a Galaxy phone and the other an iPhone. This flexibility could make the SmartTag more appealing to a broader audience.
Industry observers note that the move may be part of a larger strategy. A senior Samsung executive has recently hinted that the forthcoming Galaxy Ring could also support iPhones, although that claim remains unconfirmed. Additionally, Samsung introduced Quick Share and AirDrop interoperability on the Galaxy S26 series, enabling seamless file transfers between Samsung and Apple devices. The analyst who reported the change described it as “one of my favorite recent changes” because it lets users take advantage of both ecosystems without artificial walls.
Despite these developments, Samsung does not appear to be planning to make every Galaxy product universally compatible with iOS. The company’s statements suggest a selective approach: opening access when it enhances the product’s usefulness while preserving core Galaxy‑only features that differentiate its ecosystem. For the SmartTag 3, the compromise is evident—basic tracking works on iPhones, but advanced functions like Compass View remain exclusive to certain Samsung devices.
By expanding iPhone compatibility for a low‑cost accessory, Samsung demonstrates a willingness to reduce unnecessary friction for consumers. The pricing strategy—matching Apple’s AirTag—combined with the extended battery life and smaller form factor, positions the SmartTag 3 as a direct competitor in the Bluetooth tracker market. The decision to keep the device on the Galaxy Find Network also ensures that Samsung retains control over the backend infrastructure while still offering cross‑platform front‑end access.
Overall, the Galaxy SmartTag 3 illustrates a nuanced evolution in Samsung’s ecosystem philosophy. Rather than abandoning its proprietary services, the company is selectively lowering barriers where the benefit is clear. The move could set a precedent for future accessories and perhaps even larger devices, signaling a future where Samsung’s ecosystem is less about strict exclusivity and more about strategic openness.
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