Samsung launches Galaxy SmartTag 3 with iOS support, 60-metre range, and 790-day battery

Compact hardware and extended battery life

Samsung announced its third-generation item tracker, the Galaxy SmartTag 3, on 30 September 2026 alongside the Galaxy Tab S12 Plus and Tab S12 Ultra. The redesigned device features a squircle profile with an aluminum finish, removing the built-in key ring cutout found on previous iterations. Compared to the SmartTag 2, the new model is 35% smaller in volume and 33% lighter, allowing it to fit inside wallets, luggage, and pet collars. Attaching the tracker directly to keys or carabiners requires dedicated protective cases or strap accessories sold separately.

Energy efficiency in the device increased by 10% over the previous generation. Powered by a standard replaceable CR2032 coin battery, the SmartTag 3 delivers up to 550 days of operation in normal mode, up from 500 days on the SmartTag 2. In power-saving mode, operating life reaches up to 790 days, compared to 700 days on the prior model. Samsung vice president Jay Kim explained the rationale behind the compact form factor during the product announcement.

People were asking for more comfortable and smaller tags, so Samsung designed its most versatile SmartTag.

Cross-platform support and tracking precision

The primary operational change in the SmartTag 3 is cross-platform compatibility. Previous iterations functioned exclusively with Samsung mobile devices through the SmartThings app. The third-generation tracker connects with Apple iOS devices and non-Samsung Android hardware, allowing users to share location data with family members or dog walkers across different operating systems. Location tracking continues to operate on the proprietary Galaxy Find Network rather than Google's Find Hub network.

Hardware upgrades expand the device's detection capabilities up to three times farther than earlier versions. The SmartTag 3 incorporates Bluetooth 6.0 Channel Sounding alongside ultra-wideband technology, providing distance and directional guidance up to 60 metres (196 feet) away. Within this range, supported smartphones display a compass view and centimeter-level tracking to pinpoint lost objects. The companion software also adds place notifications that trigger geofence alerts when a tag leaves or enters a designated zone, alongside movement detection alerts and historical location logging.

Pet activity tracking and hardware durability

Beyond tracking lost objects, Samsung integrated lightweight activity monitoring for pets into the SmartTag 3. Through a dedicated section within the SmartThings application, pet owners can monitor movement metrics, track active durations, and record daily sleep schedules. The application also maps where pets have walked when the tracker is attached to a compatible collar.

The tracker retains an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, enabling outdoor use in wet conditions. The tag also registers faster on the Galaxy Find Network after moving out of range, reducing the delay before a location update appears in the mobile application.

Pricing and global rollout

Samsung priced the Galaxy SmartTag 3 at $29.99 for a single unit and $99.99 for a four-pack, matching the price of the previous generation. The hardware comes in black and white color options with an aluminum finish. The tracker will launch first in South Korea on 7 October 2026. Broader retail sales will begin in early November 2026, followed by an expansion to additional international markets in 2027.