New Apple AirTag Helps You Find Things Better

Apple has released a new version of its AirTag. This second AirTag can help you find lost items from farther away. It also makes a louder sound to help you hear it. Some Apple Watches can now help you find your AirTag too.
By Newsroom | Technology, Apple |

The release of Apple's second-generation AirTag marks a significant, albeit incremental, step forward in item tracking. After a five-year interval since the initial launch, the new model introduces refined capabilities in tracking accuracy, sound volume, and the integration of Precision Finding with compatible Apple Watch models. These upgrades aim to provide users with more precise and convenient ways to locate lost belongings, while the first-generation AirTag remains a viable, lower-cost option.

'AirTag 2' vs. 'AirTag 1': How Apple's New Tiny Tracker Improves on the Original - 1

Context: A Five-Year Evolution in Item Tracking

The original Apple AirTag, released in 2021, established a benchmark for Bluetooth-enabled item tracking through Apple's Find My network. Five years later, the second-generation AirTag arrives with a suite of upgrades designed to address user needs and leverage advancements in Apple's hardware technology.

'AirTag 2' vs. 'AirTag 1': How Apple's New Tiny Tracker Improves on the Original - 2

  • Timeline: The first-generation AirTag was introduced in 2021. The second-generation AirTag was released in late January 2026, with comparative reviews appearing in early February 2026.

  • Actors:

  • Apple: The manufacturer and developer of both AirTag generations and the Find My network.

  • Users: Individuals utilizing AirTags to track personal items like keys, wallets, and bags.

  • Retailers: Offering both new and existing AirTag models, sometimes at reduced prices for the first generation.

  • Key Event: The unveiling and subsequent release of the second-generation AirTag, prompting comparisons with its predecessor.

Evidence: Documented Upgrades and Distinctions

Analysis of available reports highlights several key areas where the second-generation AirTag distinguishes itself from the first.

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'AirTag 2' vs. 'AirTag 1': How Apple's New Tiny Tracker Improves on the Original - 3

  • Precision Finding: The new AirTag extends its Precision Finding capabilities. While the first generation offered Precision Finding exclusively through an iPhone, the second generation enables this feature on compatible Apple Watch models (Series 9 and later, Ultra 2 and later). This offers users greater flexibility, especially if their iPhone is not readily available.

  • Tracking Range: Reports indicate an increase in the Precision Finding range for the second-generation AirTag. Some sources suggest this improvement could be up to 50% farther than the first-generation model. This translates to being guided to a lost item from a greater distance.

  • Audio Output: The speaker on the second-generation AirTag is noted to be up to 50% louder than its predecessor, improving its audibility when using the "Play Sound" feature. Subtle changes in the chime note have also been observed, with the new model emitting a note in "G" compared to the original's "F".

  • Internal Technology: The second-generation AirTag incorporates an updated second-generation Ultra Wideband (U2) chip and an upgraded Bluetooth chip. These components are fundamental to the enhanced tracking performance and range. Bluetooth identifiers also rotate more frequently in the new model.

  • Physical and Design Aspects: Externally, the two generations are nearly identical. However, internal design changes include a thicker main Printed Circuit Board (PCB) in the first generation versus a thinner, revised PCB in the second. The speaker magnet is also more firmly secured in the new model. Packaging has also been updated, with the second-generation model arriving in a redesigned, narrower box with updated artwork.

  • Operational Differences: The reset process for the second-generation AirTag has been modified to remove the required waiting period between battery removals, streamlining battery replacement.

Precision Finding: Expanding the User's Reach

The enhancement of Precision Finding is a central theme in the upgrade from AirTag 1 to AirTag 2. The ability to utilize compatible Apple Watch models for Precision Finding offers a distinct advantage.

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'AirTag 2' vs. 'AirTag 1': How Apple's New Tiny Tracker Improves on the Original - 4

  • iPhone-Centric vs. Watch-Integrated: The first-generation AirTag's Precision Finding relied solely on the iPhone. The second generation adds the capability for supported Apple Watches to guide users to their AirTag, increasing utility when the iPhone is not in hand.

  • Increased Distance Guidance: The expanded range of Precision Finding means users can receive directional cues from a greater distance, potentially up to 27 feet away, compared to approximately 18 feet for the original AirTag. This suggests a more responsive and further-reaching detection capability.

  • Underlying Technology: The new Ultra Wideband (U2) chip and updated Bluetooth technology in the second-generation AirTag are the technical drivers behind these improved Precision Finding features.

Audio and Connectivity: Subtle Yet Significant Improvements

Beyond Precision Finding, improvements in audio and Bluetooth connectivity contribute to the overall user experience.

  • Louder and Clearer Sound: The reported increase in speaker volume for the second-generation AirTag makes it easier to locate items in noisy environments or when hidden under objects.

  • Bluetooth Rotation: More frequent rotation of Bluetooth identifiers in the newer model is a security enhancement, making it more difficult to track users over extended periods through Bluetooth signals alone.

  • Compatibility: Existing AirTag accessories, such as key rings and holders, are fully compatible with the second-generation AirTag due to the retention of the same physical design and dimensions.

Value Proposition: New vs. Existing

The decision between purchasing a new second-generation AirTag or a discounted first-generation model hinges on individual user needs and priorities.

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  • Core Functionality: Both generations perform the fundamental task of item tracking via the Find My network effectively.

  • Feature Prioritization: Users who frequently rely on Precision Finding, particularly those who own compatible Apple Watches, may find the upgraded features of the second-generation AirTag to be worth the investment.

  • Cost Consideration: First-generation AirTags are available at reduced prices from some retailers, presenting a cost-effective option for users whose needs are met by the original model's capabilities.

  • Technological Advancement: The second-generation AirTag represents a more current iteration of Apple's tracking technology, incorporating the latest chips for potentially longer-term support and performance benefits.

Expert Analysis: Prioritizing Precision and Convenience

Reviewers suggest that the upgrades in the second-generation AirTag cater to specific user behaviors and preferences, rather than a complete overhaul of the item-tracking concept.

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"The second-generation AirTag is likely to benefit users who frequently rely on Precision Finding rather than approximate location." - MacRumors

"Your iPhone will be able to guide you to your AirTag from farther away…" - ZDNet

"Arguably, the most appealing aspect of the original AirTag is its Precision Finding capabilities. This, alone, is worth upgrading to the new AirTag." - Good Housekeeping

These perspectives underscore that the value of the new AirTag is directly tied to how users intend to employ its tracking features, especially Precision Finding and its extended range.

Conclusion: An Iterative Upgrade with Notable Enhancements

The second-generation Apple AirTag builds upon the foundation of its predecessor with targeted improvements. The integration of Precision Finding with compatible Apple Watches and an extended tracking range are significant advancements. While the core functionality remains consistent, the louder speaker and refined internal technology offer a more robust user experience. The enduring availability and reduced pricing of the first-generation AirTag present a compelling alternative for budget-conscious consumers or those who do not require the latest enhancements. Ultimately, the choice between the two models depends on a user's specific reliance on advanced tracking features and their willingness to invest in the most current iteration of Apple's item-tracking technology.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is new with the second AirTag?
The new AirTag can find things from farther away and makes a louder sound. It also works with some Apple Watches to help you find things.
Q: Can my Apple Watch find my AirTag?
Yes, if you have a newer Apple Watch like Series 9 or later, or Ultra 2 or later, it can help you find your AirTag.
Q: Is the new AirTag much different from the old one?
It is similar, but the new one has better range and a louder speaker. The technology inside is also updated.
Q: Should I buy the new AirTag or the old one?
If you want the best range and sound, and want it to work with your Apple Watch, the new one is good. If you want to save money, the first AirTag still works well.