Apple launched the second-generation AirTag on Monday, upgrading the tracking tag with a new Ultra Wideband chip and improved Bluetooth connectivity so it can be located from much farther away. Apple also built in a louder speaker.
Like its predecessor, you can use AirTag 2 to find lost items — and get reminders if you inadvertently leave items behind.
Benefits of AirTag 2
You can attach an AirTag to anything that gets misplaced frequently (like a set of keys) or to something that would be a big problem if it went missing (like luggage). Then you can locate the item using the Find My app on your iPhone. The trick works by making a Bluetooth connection between the tracking tag and your handset. (This method also works with rival trackers.)
But AirTag uses another trick, too: It can communicate with your iPhone via Ultra Wideband. Unlike Bluetooth, this is directional, enabling the Precision Finding feature in the Find My app to point you toward the lost item.
Better Ultra Wideband and Bluetooth performance in AirTag 2
The new AirTag includes a better UWB chip to enhance Precision Finding. Apple uses the same second-generation UWB chip in the iPhone 17 lineup, the iPhone Air, Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch Series 11.
Using haptic, visual and audio feedback, Precision Finding using the new AirTag guides users to their lost items from up to 50% farther away than the original tracker, Apple said.
And an upgraded Bluetooth chip in AirTag 2 also expands the range at which items can be located.
Now with Apple Watch support
Previously, Precision Finding an AirTag worked only with an iPhone. That changes with AirTag 2.
For the first time, users can use Precision Finding on Apple Watch to find their AirTag. (The feature works with Apple Watch Series 9 or later and Apple Watch Ultra 2 or later.)
More improvements
Thanks to an updated internal design, Apple says AirTag 2 is 50% louder than the previous generation. This will enable users to hear the tracking tag from up to 2x farther than before.
However, the new tracker tag retains the same design as its predecessor. It’s compatible with accessories designed for the original AirTag from 2021.
Available now
The new AirTag version launched Monday for the same price as its predecessor: $29 for a single AirTag and $99 for a four-pack. Apple offers free personalized engraving on apple.com and the Apple Store app.
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.
Ed Hardy has been writing full-time about tech for 25 years, and using it for much longer than that. His intro to Apple was a Macintosh SE/30 (which he still has), but now he uses a 13-inch iPad Pro as his primary computer.
That’s because he’s a “tablet first” type of guy. Rather than use a Macbook, he connects a keyboard case to the iPad. And instead of a desktop Mac, he connects his tablet to a 27-inch display and full-size keyboard. (So don’t try to tell him that everyone has to use a Mac to be productive.)
Before coming to Cult of Mac, Ed wrote for NotebookReview, TabletPCReview and Brighthand, as well as other sites.
