After a five-year wait, Apple has finally rolled out a significant hardware refresh for its AirTag! Since its 2021 launch, the AirTag has become the go-to Bluetooth tracker, effectively shaking up the market and challenging established brands like Tile. Now, the second-generation AirTag is here, maintaining the familiar price points of $29 for a single unit and $99 for a four-pack, and it's available starting today.
At the heart of this upgrade is the second-generation Ultra Wideband (U2) chip, a technology previously seen in Apple's latest iPhone and Apple Watch models. This new chip dramatically enhances the Precision Finding feature, allowing you to pinpoint your AirTag's exact location with up to 1.5 times greater range. Imagine lifting your iPhone and receiving clear visual, auditory, and haptic cues guiding you directly to your lost item – that's the power of this enhanced precision. And for the first time, this advanced Precision Finding capability is extending to the Apple Watch Series 9 or later and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 or newer.
Beyond enhanced location finding, the new AirTag boasts a 50% louder speaker compared to its predecessor, meaning it can be heard from twice the distance. A fresh chime has also been introduced for better audibility. Apple has also improved the Bluetooth chip for a more robust overall range. While there's no groundbreaking change to battery life, Apple still estimates “more than a year” of use, and thankfully, the battery remains user-replaceable.
But here's where it gets a bit technical: To get started with your new second-gen AirTag, you'll need an iPhone or iPad running the latest iOS version, along with an Apple Account signed into iCloud. The core functionality relies on Apple's robust Find My feature, which cleverly uses a vast network of Apple devices to help you track down your belongings. A neat addition is the Share Item Location feature, which allows you to share the whereabouts of an item with airlines. Currently, this is supported by 36 airlines, with plans to expand to 50, though a specific rollout timeline hasn't been announced.
And this is the part most people miss: Following concerns about the original AirTags being misused for unwanted tracking, Apple has implemented tracking alerts. These alerts, also enabled on Android devices through collaboration with Google, notify you if an “unknown tracker” is detected with you. This is a crucial security feature designed to protect users.
On the sustainability front, Apple has made significant strides. The second-gen AirTag is constructed with 85% recycled plastic for its enclosure, utilizes 100% recycled rare earth elements in its magnets, and features 100% recycled gold plating on its printed circuit boards. Even the packaging is 100% fiber-based paper.
Visually, the new AirTag retains the same compact design as its predecessor, ensuring compatibility with existing AirTag cases, key rings, and other accessories. Apple has even introduced a new Key Ring accessory crafted from its FineWoven material, designed to perfectly complement the new FineWoven iPhone 17 case.
What are your thoughts on these upgrades? Do you think the enhanced Precision Finding and louder speaker will make a real difference in everyday use? Let us know in the comments below!
