Apple has officially unveiled AirTag 2, the second-generation version of its popular item tracker. While the exterior design remains unchanged, Apple has focused on meaningful internal upgrades—delivering longer range, louder alerts, stronger privacy protection, and deeper iOS 26 integration, all without raising the price.
Below is a complete, data-driven breakdown of AirTag 2’s 5 new features, price, battery life, iOS 26 enhancements, and who should consider upgrading.
AirTag 2 vs Original AirTag: Key Differences
| Feature | Original AirTag (2021) | AirTag 2 (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| UWB Chip | U1 Chip | 2nd Gen UWB Chip |
| Precision Finding | iPhone only | iPhone & Apple Watch |
| Tracking Range | Standard | 50% Longer |
| Speaker Volume | Standard | 50% Louder |
| Anti-Tampering | Limited | Improved physical protection |
| Materials | Standard plastics | 85% recycled plastic, 100% recycled gold plating |
| Battery | CR2032 (1 year) | CR2032 (up to 1 year) |
| Price | $29 / $99 | Same price ($29 / $99) |
Key Differences (Mobile-Friendly Summary)
-
UWB Chip: 2nd Gen UWB chip enables 50% longer Precision Finding range
-
Speaker: 50% louder, with nearly double the sound reach
-
Precision Finding: Works on iPhone and Apple Watch
-
Privacy: Improved anti-tampering speaker design
-
Battery: Up to 1 year with replaceable CR2032 battery
-
Price: Unchanged — $29 / $99
ZEERA MacForge Studio：CNC Aluminum Cooling Case for Mac Studio
CNC Aluminum Cooling Case for Mac Studio with Mac Pro Enclosure Design
Shop NowAirTag 2 New Features: 5 Key Upgrades Explained
1. 50% Longer Precision Finding Range
AirTag 2 is powered by a second-generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip, enabling up to 50% longer Precision Finding range compared to the original AirTag. This makes directional tracking noticeably more reliable in large indoor spaces, parking garages, and crowded public environments.
2. 50% Louder Speaker With Double Sound Reach
Apple has upgraded the built-in speaker, making it 50% louder, with sound that can travel nearly twice the distance of the previous model. This is particularly useful when locating items buried inside bags, under furniture, or in noisy places like airports.
2025 Best MagSafe Case for iPhone 17 Pro Max
3. Precision Finding Now Works on Apple Watch
For the first time, Precision Finding is available on Apple Watch, including Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. This allows users to locate nearby AirTag 2 items directly from their wrist—ideal for quick searches without reaching for an iPhone.
4. Enhanced Privacy With Anti-Tampering Design
AirTag 2 introduces a physical anti-tampering redesign that makes it significantly harder to remove or disable the speaker. This hardware-level change, combined with system alerts and end-to-end encrypted location data, directly addresses long-standing concerns around misuse and unwanted tracking.
5. Expanded Find My Sharing for Travel
With iOS 26, AirTag 2 supports secure item location sharing with trusted third parties, including participating airlines. This feature is designed to help recover misplaced luggage faster during travel disruptions.
iOS 26 Device Compatibility
Please note that AirTag 2 requires an iPhone or iPad running iOS 26 or iPadOS 26 or later. Users must be signed in with an Apple ID and have the Find My feature enabled to access full tracking and sharing functionality.
To use Precision Finding on Apple Watch, an Apple Watch Series 9 or Apple Watch Ultra 2 is required, running watchOS 26.2.1 or later.
AirTag 2 Price and Availability
Apple has kept pricing unchanged:
-
$29 for a single AirTag 2
-
$99 for a four-pack
AirTag 2 is available through Apple’s official website, the Apple Store app, and authorized retailers. Free engraving remains available when purchasing directly from Apple.
Travel Tip
Lost luggage remains a major pain point for travelers—especially at busy hub airports like London Heathrow (LHR) or New York JFK.
With iOS 26, AirTag 2 allows you to generate a secure, temporary location-sharing link that can be shared directly with airline ground staff. Once your luggage is recovered, the link automatically expires, ensuring your long-term privacy remains protected.
Who Should Upgrade to AirTag 2?
AirTag 2 is especially worth considering if you are:
-
✈️ A frequent traveler who benefits from airline luggage recovery features
-
⌚ An Apple Watch user who wants wrist-based Precision Finding
-
🔊 Someone who struggled with the original AirTag’s speaker volume
-
🔐 Privacy-conscious users concerned about anti-stalking protections
Final thougth
AirTag 2 is a refined and more capable tracker that improves on nearly every practical limitation of the original model. With 50% longer range, louder alerts, stronger anti-tampering protection, deeper iOS 26 integration, and unchanged pricing, it stands out as one of Apple’s most polished ecosystem upgrades in years.
