Apple powers up the AirTag – here’s why it’s this year’s must-have accessory
Apple's new AirTag looks the same but works a whole lot better - here are the key new features
The 2nd-generation AirTag is finally here. Apple first launched the AirTag tracker back in 2021 and since then it has become a storied piece of tech, with numerous stories of them doing everything from saving people from losing luggage to catching thieves.
The potential for stalking was soon realised, too, leading to Apple acknowledging issues in early 2022 and then working with Google on cross-platform alerts for people who were being tracked unknowingly.
Now, Apple has an upgraded AirTag and if you’re a convert to the small trackers you’ll definitely want the new generation (though it’s still just called ‘AirTag’ rather than ‘AirTag 2’ or similar). There are four key new enhancements:
- There’s a new Ultra Wideband chip meaning that Precision Finding (for locating misplaced items nearby) now works up to 50 percent further away – but Apple hasn’t mentioned how far this is in terms of feet or metres unfortunately.
- The Bluetooth chip has also been upgraded and also expands the range at which items can be located – but again Apple doesn’t specify details on how far this actually is.
- The audio chime that guides you into the device is also now 50 percent louder than before too – so you can ‘hear’ misplaced items from a lot further away if you set off the audio alert from the Find My app.
- You can now use Precision Finding on Apple Watch Series 9 or later, or Apple Watch Ultra 2 or later (you need watchOS 26.2.1).
The new AirTag is available today for the same price as its predecessor – $29/£29 for a single AirTag and $99/£99 for a four-pack, with free personalised engraving available if you order direct from Apple. There’s also a FineWoven Key Ring for the tag available in fox orange, midnight purple, navy, moss, and black for $35/£35.
The new AirTag requires iOS 26 or later, or iPad with iPadOS 26 or later.
Dan Grabham
Editor-in-Chief 
