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| The new AirTag maintains compatibility with original AirTag accessories. |
After five years of rumors and anticipation, Apple has officially taken the wraps off the second-generation AirTag. For anyone who’s ever spent frantic minutes searching for keys, a wallet, or a backpack, the original AirTag (still available for around $25 on Amazon) became a quiet lifesaver. Now, the new model aims to address some of the subtle pain points with meaningful, if modest, upgrades.
Let’s unpack what’s new, what’s improved, and whether it’s worth the upgrade.
Key Upgrades: Range, Precision & Sound
At its core, the AirTag 2 is still about finding your stuff—just better. Apple is touting three core improvements, though the specifics come with some marketing vagueness.
1. Enhanced Bluetooth Range
The new AirTag features an upgraded Bluetooth chip, which Apple says increases the wireless tracking range. How much more? Apple isn’t saying in concrete metres. This likely means in open-air, ideal conditions, you might get a “connected” signal from a slightly greater distance before it hands off to the vast Find My network. For daily use, this could translate to getting a ping from your luggage a few critical seconds sooner in a busy airport.
2. More Precise Precision Finding
The ultra-wideband (UWB) chip has also been upgraded. Apple states this allows for Precision Finding distances improved by up to 50%. For the uninitiated, Precision Finding is the brilliant iPhone feature that gives you on-screen, arrow-guided directions to your exact tag. A 50% boost means you could start getting those precise directions from farther away, making the final hunt quicker.
A significant new benefit of this UWB chip is that Precision Finding is now available on Apple Watch. Owners of a Series 9 or Watch Ultra 2 (and presumably future models) can now use their wrist to guide them to a lost item, which is incredibly handy when your phone isn't in your hand.
Ready to experience the upgraded tracking yourself? The new AirTag is now available for order directly from Apple's online store.
3. A Louder Speaker
This might be the most practically satisfying upgrade. Apple has fitted a speaker that’s 50% louder. In real-world terms, they claim the ringtone is now audible from about twice the distance. If you’ve ever been digging through a couch knowing your keys are somewhere in there, that extra volume could be the difference between hearing it immediately and frustrating silence.
Familiar Design, Universal Compatibility
Visually, don’t expect a revolution. The AirTag 2 retains the same iconic, polished stainless steel and white plastic design. This is good news for accessory makers and users alike: all existing AirTag 1 cases, keyrings, and holders will fit the new model perfectly. If you’ve invested in a nice leather key fob or a durable silicone sleeve, it lives on.
Pricing & Availability
The next-generation AirTag is priced at $29 for a single tag, a slight increase over the original’s launch price. For those looking to kit out multiple items, the 4-pack remains a value at $99.
For those still content with the first-generation performance or looking for a budget option, the original AirTag is still widely available and often discounted, like this listing on Amazon.
The Bottom Line
The AirTag 2 isn’t a complete reinvention, and that’s okay. It’s a thoughtful refinement of an already excellent product. The louder speaker, extended Precision Finding range (especially on Apple Watch), and promise of better Bluetooth range address the small frustrations users had. If you’re new to the tracking game or have been waiting for a more capable model to replace old Tiles, this is an easy recommendation.
For existing users with a few first-gen tags that still work fine, the upgrades are compelling but might not be urgent—unless that watch-based finding feature calls your name. As always, the choice depends on how much you value those incremental, yet genuinely useful, improvements.
