It has been nearly three years since Samsung last updated its item trackers. However, a fresh paper trail suggests a replacement is arriving very soon. A new wireless device just cleared radio regulatory hurdles in South Korea, signaling that the official Galaxy SmartTag 3 certification process is wrapping up ahead of an official reveal.
According to public filings from South Korea’s National Radio Research Institute, Samsung registered a low-power wireless device on August 21 under model number EI-T5900. It’s noteworthy that the listing doesn’t state the product name outright. Still, the model number gives the game away. The original 2021 SmartTag launched as EI-T5300, and the 2023 SmartTag 2 carried model number EI-T5600. So, this new entry is the clear successor in the lineup.
Ditching the pill shape for a squircle design
Beyond regulatory paperwork, early design leaks reveal a noticeable physical makeover. As Korean media reports (via SamMobile), Samsung is ditching the elongated, pill-shaped body of the SmartTag 2. This time, the company will go for a “squircle”—a square with rounded corners.
This aesthetic tweak matches the squircle app icons in Samsung’s One UI software and aligns with recent wearables like the Galaxy Watch 9. Schematics also point to a large circular action button right in the center.
However, the new shape comes with a potential drawback for daily convenience. Early reports indicate Samsung might remove the built-in keyring loop that made the SmartTag 2 so easy to clip onto backpacks or keychains without buying extra gear. If that holds true, users will need a separate case, strap, or holder to attach the tag to their belongings.
Expected features and location performance
On the performance side, the SmartTag 3 is expected to build on its predecessor’s solid foundation. The SmartTag 2 features Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) precision tracking and an IP67 water and dust resistance rating. Plus, there’s a battery that lasts up to 700 days in power-saving mode.
The new model will hook into the crowdsourced Samsung Find network. This leverages nearby Galaxy smartphones and tablets to pinpoint lost items like luggage, bikes, or keys. Samsung has been actively expanding the network’s real-world uses, even teaming up with Turkish Airlines to help passengers track delayed luggage at airports.
Likely release timeline
Passing radio certification in South Korea is typically one of the last major steps before a consumer tech product goes on sale. Industry watchers expect Samsung to officially unveil the Galaxy SmartTag 3 between September and October, likely sharing the spotlight with the upcoming Galaxy Tab S12 series.
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