AirTags do sort of change the tracking game. GPS trackers need a relatively large power supply and some kind of data connection. Tile devices are not ubiquitous, and their tracking network is limited to other Tile users.

AirTags have a huge advantage in that they use ALL iPhones as part of the tracking network, regardless of whether the iPhone owner has an AirTag themself. This allows them to work over short ranges with a tiny battery as they only need to be close enough to any iPhone for them to be trackable.