Samsung SmartTag3 now also works with iPhones. But it keeps precise guidance for Galaxy devices.

Samsung introduced the Galaxy SmartTag3, the first tracker in this series with support for both Galaxy phones and iOS devices. Via SmartThings Find, its location can be viewed and shared, or nearby search can be used on supported devices of both platforms. For example, a borrowed suitcase can also be searched for by a family member with an iPhone.

On iPhone, guidance and forgotten item alerts are missing

iOS support does not mean the same features as on Galaxy. On iPhone, Compass View for directional guidance, phone ringing, or Left Behind Alert will not be available. The latter function alerts when the phone loses connection with the tagged item.

For a household with different phones, opening up iOS support is more useful than just changing the tracker’s dimensions. However, when choosing, I would distinguish between occasionally finding a borrowed item and requiring a complete set of features.

Guidance from 60 meters has specific conditions

Bluetooth 6.0 Channel Sounding in Compass View mode is designed to show distance and direction from up to 60 meters. Samsung states this range for direct line of sight without obstacles; walls or surrounding electronics may shorten it and impair accuracy. For close-range, UWB technology is intended to ensure more precise tracking.

Compass View requires a Galaxy device with Android 12 or newer and support for UWB or Bluetooth Channel Sounding. So far, only Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy S26 Ultra, and Galaxy S26 Plus support the latter technology. Availability may vary by country and device.

Tracker alerts when leaving a selected area

The new experimental Place Notification feature allows defining an area and receiving an alert when the tagged item enters or leaves it. It works with location data from the Galaxy Find Network. Therefore, notifications depend on nearby connected Galaxy phones: they may arrive late, or not at all. It is not a guaranteed immediate alarm.

Smaller body, longer battery life, and sales first in Korea

Compared to the previous generation, the SmartTag3 is approximately 35% smaller in volume and 33% lighter. Samsung states up to 550 days of normal operation, or up to 790 days in power-saving mode. These are values from internal laboratory tests. Additionally, power-saving mode may limit Compass View as well as volume and ringtone settings.

Sales will begin on October 7, 2026, in Korea, followed by the USA and other markets in 2027. White and black variants will be available. A specific date for the Czech Republic is not yet clear from the announcement.

What would you track with a SmartTag: keys, a suitcase, or a bicycle?

Sources: news.samsung.com