To use the best AirTag 2 feature you’ll need one of these newer iPhone models
Apple launched AirTag 2 on Monday, including an expanded Precision Finding feature. However, it isn't compatible with all iPhone models
Apple launched a new-generation of its AirTag item tracker today, but you’ll need a relatively new iPhone to make use of its best feature.
The enhanced Precision Finding feature – which relies on Ultra Wideband technology to help users pick up their items from further away – needs a chip that’s present in both the AirTag 2 and the companion iPhone.
That means, as well as a phone capable of running iOS 26, you’ll also need a model with the newest Ultra Wideband chip to access the greater distances. The biggest takeaway might be that even the mid-range iPhone 16e, released a year ago, does not support the Precision Finding feature, as it lacks the second generation Ultra-Wideband chip.
Users will need one of the following iPhones to make use of it:
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 17
- iPhone 17 Pro
- iPhone 17 Pro Max
- iPhone Air
Precision Tracking isn’t the only new feature, so there are still upgrades available over the first generation AirTag. There’s a speaker capable of a 50% louder audio enabling you to locate the item from further away. There’s also improvements to Bluetooth connectivity that ensure users can locate items from further away.
iPhone models with a first-generation Ultra Wideband chip (from the iPhone 11 onwards) can access the Precision Finding technology, but with the same reduced disance Precision Finding guides users to their devices with an on-screen interface that shows the direction and distance users are away. All they need to do is follow the on-screen cues to be reunited with their errant valuable.
Chris Smith
