After years of rumors, Apple finally unveiled the second-generation AirTag on Monday. At first glance, it looks identical to the original, but the similarities end there.
From improved tracking precision to a louder speaker, AirTag 2 builds on its predecessor in every way.
AirTag vs. AirTag 2 comparison
The original AirTag debuted in 2021, silently becoming a huge hit for Apple. Like its other products, Apple pushed the tracking tag category forward in a big way with the first AirTag. It used the iPhone’s Find My network to ensure you could track the tag even when it was outside of Bluetooth range.
With the second-generation AirTag, Apple improved nearly every aspect of its tracking tag. Precision Finding range is now up to 50% longer, according to Apple, and the built-in speaker is also 50% louder. All of these upgrades come despite the new AirTag looking identical to the original model.
| Feature | AirTag (1st generation) | AirTag 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Ultra Wideband (UWB) | 1st-generation UWB chip | 2nd-generation UWB (UWB 2) |
| Precision Finding range | Standard close-range tracking | Up to 1.5× longer range |
| Precision Finding support | iPhone only | iPhone and Apple Watch Series 9 & Ultra 2 or newer |
| Speaker volume | Standard speaker | Up to 50% louder speaker |
| Audible chime | Note “F” | “Distinctive new chime” (note “G”) |
| Internal design | Original internal layout | Redesigned internals that are harder to tamper with |
| Weight | 11.0 grams (0.39 ounces) | 11.8 grams (0.42 ounces) |
| Bluetooth | Older Bluetooth version | Newer Bluetooth version with improved range |
| Water & dust resistance | IP67 | IP67 |
| Reset process | Simple battery removal | Multi-step process |
| Battery | CR2032 coin cell | CR2032 coin cell (unchanged) |
Longer range
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The new AirTag uses Apple’s second-gen Ultra Wideband chip for a better Precision Finding experience that now works over a 50% longer range. However, this extended range is only available on Apple devices with the second-gen UWB chip, such as the iPhone 15 and iPhone Air or newer models. And if you own an Apple Watch Series 9 or an Apple Ultra 2 or later, you can take advantage of Precision Finding right from your wrist.
On older devices, the Precision Finding range on the new AirTag will be similar to its predecessor. It’s also not possible to use Precision Finding on the Apple Watch with the first-gen AirTag.
The upgraded Ultra Wideband chip pairs with a newer-generation Bluetooth chip to further extend the tracking range. Apple does not specifically mention the Bluetooth version. The original AirTag supported Bluetooth 5.2, so the 2nd-gen model likely supports Bluetooth 5.3 or 6.
Louder speaker
Photo: Apple
While the second-generation AirTag’s exterior remains unchanged, Apple revamped the tracking tag’s internal design. This update makes the built-in speaker 50% louder, which the company says lets you hear it from up to twice as far away. The “distinctive new chime” uses a higher-pitched note — G versus F on the older model — making it easier to hear.
In Cult of Mac‘s AirTag 2 review, Ed Hardy noted that the AirTag 2’s upgraded speaker peaked at 87 dB versus 66 dB on the first-gen model.
While Apple did not mention this explicitly, the new speaker and internal changes make the 2nd-gen AirTag 0.8 grams heavier than the first model.
← AirTag (1st generation) chime
→ AirTag (2nd generation) new chimeThe chime has changed from the note “F” to the note “G”.
「ファ」から「ソ」の音に変わっています。#AirTag pic.twitter.com/yheHAC6YJU
— Karagana🐦 (@Krgn1002) January 28, 2026
As an AirTag 2 teardown reveals, Apple used extra glue to hold the speaker in place on the new tracker. This should make it harder for bad actors to tamper with the AirTag and remove its speaker.
More complicated reset process
Resetting the first-generation AirTag so it can be linked to a new Apple Account (like if you buy a used one or get a hand-me-down) requires removing the CR2032 battery, reinserting it, and pressing it down until a beep sounds. You must repeat the same process four more times. The fifth sound will be different and indicate the AirTag is ready for pairing with a new device.
With the second-gen AirTag, Apple requires you to wait at least five seconds before each step of the process. The fifth time you insert the battery, the final sound can take up to 12 seconds to trigger.
The added delay should make it harder for bad actors to reset your AirTag 2.
Everything else remains the same
Everything else about the new AirTag is the same as the old one. It uses the same CR2032 coin battery, which can power the tracker for up to one year, according to Apple.
The dimensions remain unchanged, which is good news since existing AirTag accessories will continue to work with the new model. Apple also retained the original model’s IP67 rating, meaning the AirTag 2 remains dust- and water-resistant.
The good news is that despite all the improvements, Apple has not increased the pricing of the AirTag 2. You can get a single unit for $29, with a four-pack bundle selling for $99.
The next generation of AirTag has its loudest speaker yet and an expanded Precision Finding range. It’s never been easier to follow and find your stuff.
Rajesh has been writing about consumer technology for over a decade, with a strong focus on iPhones, Macs and Apple’s ecosystem. He enjoys digging into Apple software updates, hardware changes, and discovering new Mac apps that make work faster and more enjoyable.
