Apple has officially launched the second-generation AirTag — the AirTag 2 — bringing meaningful upgrades to its popular item tracker for the first time in years. The new device is available to order now directly from Apple and authorized retailers, with no change to the original pricing: $29 for a single AirTag and $99 for a four-pack.
What’s New in AirTag 2
Although the AirTag’s familiar puck-like design hasn’t changed, Apple has enhanced the internals in ways that matter to everyday users:
Improved Location Tracking
At the heart of the AirTag 2 is a second-generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip — the same technology now powering recent iPhones and Apple Watches. This upgrade boosts the Precision Finding feature, helping users pinpoint lost items up to 50 % farther away than on the original AirTag.
Louder Speaker, Clearer Alerts
Apple redesigned the internal speaker so it’s about 50 % louder, making it easier to hear your AirTag from farther away, including when an item is buried in a bag or underneath furniture.
Extended Bluetooth Range
Alongside the UWB improvements, a stronger Bluetooth radio extends the reach at which the AirTag can stay connected to nearby Apple devices.
Precision Finding on Apple Watch
For the first time, Precision Finding works directly on compatible Apple Watch models — including Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 or later — allowing users to search for lost items without even pulling out their iPhone.
Smarter Tracking with Find My
AirTag 2 continues to leverage Apple’s vast Find My network, using millions of iPhones, iPads, and Macs to help locate missing items while preserving privacy through end-to-end encryption and rotating Bluetooth identifiers. The device also supports expanded item-sharing features with travel partners such as airlines, reflecting Apple’s growing ecosystem for shared tracking.
Price, Availability, and Compatibility
The AirTag 2 is available now from Apple’s online store and Apple Store app, with retail availability expected in shops shortly. It works with iOS 26 or later and iPadOS 26 or later devices, and retains the same form factor as the original so it’s compatible with existing AirTag accessories like key rings and loops.
Comparison of AirTag vs. AirTag 2
| Feature | Original AirTag (2021) | AirTag 2 (2026) |
| Launch Year | 2021 | 2026 |
| Precision Finding Chip | 1st-gen U1 Ultra Wideband | 2nd-gen UWB (U2) — up to ~50 % farther precision range. |
| Bluetooth Range | Standard Bluetooth LE | Upgraded Bluetooth with extended range |
| Speaker Volume | Standard speaker | ~50 % louder sound (audible from ~2× farther). |
| Precision Finding Support | iPhone only | iPhone and Apple Watch Series 9/Ultra 2 or later. |
| Accessory Compatibility | Works with standard AirTag accessories | Compatible with all existing AirTag accessories. |
| Battery | User-replaceable CR2032 (≈1+ year) | Same user-replaceable CR2032 (≈1+ year |
| Privacy & Security | Find My network with rotating IDs & anti-tracking alerts | Same protections, with enhanced cross-platform alerts. |
| Environmental Materials | Standard materials | More recycled content (e.g., 85 % recycled plastic). |
| Price at Launch | $29 / $99 (4-pack) | Same – $29 / $99 (4-pack). |
| Software Requirements | iOS 14.5+/iPadOS 14.5+ | iOS 26+/iPadOS 26+ (watchOS 26.2.1 for Apple Watch tracking). |
The Bottom Line
Fans and critics alike have noted that, while the AirTag 2 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it packs significant improvements in real-world tracking performance — especially for larger spaces like airports, offices, or parking lots — without increasing the cost. For long-time AirTag users or first-time buyers, that makes this upgrade an easy recommendation.
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