Energizer today introduced its Ultimate Child Shield coin lithium batteries, designed for Apple AirTags, to address safety concerns over accidental ingestion. The 2032-sized batteries feature a saliva-sensitive element that turns blue when exposed to moisture, alerting caregivers to potential swallowing. A bitter coating also deters children from accessing them. These innovations aim to mitigate risks highlighted after the 2021 AirTag launch, when Australia’s Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) criticized the device’s press-and-twist battery compartment as insufficient. The ACCC warned parents to keep AirTags out of reach, citing risks of esophageal burns from coin-cell batteries, which can cause fatal injuries within hours.

Apple faced backlash for initially relying on its two-step opening mechanism to meet safety standards, but U.S. regulators later mandated stricter warnings. Following the Reese’s Law—named after a child who died after swallowing a button battery—Apple added alerts in its Find My app and on product labels. However, Energizer’s new batteries face a hurdle: Apple previously rejected non-toxic bitter coatings due to potential misalignment with AirTag’s battery contacts, raising questions about compatibility.

The Child Shield batteries are now available in U.S. stores, offering a potential solution for parents balancing tracking needs with safety. While Energizer claims the design prevents burns entirely, Apple’s historical resistance to third-party modifications suggests ongoing scrutiny. This development underscores the tech industry’s growing focus on child safety, particularly for IoT devices accessible to young children.

Parents may soon face a choice: prioritize AirTag functionality with standard batteries or opt for safer alternatives at the cost of convenience. As legal pressures mount, manufacturers like Energizer and Apple may need to collaborate more closely to align innovation with rigorous safety protocols.