Apple has introduced the second-generation AirTag, enhancing tracking functions and customer privacy. The device keeps its $29 price and iconic coin-shaped design while offering an upgraded ultra-wideband chip for improved range and a speaker that is 50 percent louder.  

Enhanced Tracking Features 

• Extended Range: The new ultra-wideband chip, similar to those in the iPhone 17 and Apple Watch Series 11, enables Precision Finding to work up to 50% farther away.  

• Louder speaker and new chime: The internal speaker is 50% louder and can be heard from twice the previous distance, enabling easier locating of items in bags or furniture.  

• Apple Watch Precision Finding: For the first time, users can access precision finding directly on their wrist with Apple Watch Series 9 or later and Apple Watch Ultra 2 or later.  

• Share item location: Users can now securely share their Air Tag item location with third parties, including more than 50 airlines, to help locate lost luggage.  

Airtag Privacy Features 

• Anti-Stalking Technology Explained: The updated hardware makes it more difficult to disable or remove the speaker rendering, and prior methods for bypassing anti-stalking alerts are ineffective.  

• Improved privacy protocols: The device uses encrypted, anonymous location tracking and does not store location history.  

• Increased Identifier Rotation: AirTag now rotates its Bluetooth identifiers more frequently to prevent unauthorized tracking. To explain how rotating Bluetooth IDs protects privacy.  

• Cross-platform alert features: the system continues to alert both iOS and Android users when an unknown Air Tag is traveling with them, with enhanced notifications.  

Pricing and Availability align with the coverage of new features and privacy improvements, helping users understand when and how they can purchase the improved AirTag 2. 

• Price: $29 per unit or $99 for a 4-pack  

• Availability: Orders begin January 26, 2026, on Apple’s website, with in-store availability starting January 28, 2026.  

• Compatibility: the device retains the same form factor, guaranteeing compatibility with all original AirTag accessories.  

• Sustainability: The device is made with 85% recycled plastic and 100% rare earth elements.  

Apple has released the new AirTag 2, which brings an extended tracking range, a louder speaker, and enhanced security.  

Following this announcement, on Monday, Apple introduced the second-gen AirTag, which includes several major updates to its quarter-sized tracker.  

These updates address concerns from earlier models, such as a louder speaker, an improved ultra-wideband chip, and more precise tracking.  

More Exact Tracking At Greater Distances 

Decision-finding on the first-generation AirTag worked within 15 meters (50 feet). This was effective for locating items at home, but less useful for items lost outdoors or in unfamiliar places.  

The second-generation ultra-wideband chip extends the effective range for precision finding to approximately 60 meters, nearly 200 feet. This longer range allows users to locate items farther away, especially outside the home, using more accurate directional cues from the Find My app.  

Louder Speaker 

Apple states that the new AirTag features an updated internal design that is 50% louder than the previous model, making the alert sound audible from twice as far away.  

Most users will continue to use Precise Finding to locate lost items rather than relying solely on the Chirp. The increased volume enhances the effectiveness of anti-stalking features.  

Whether Apple has significantly changed the speaker design is currently unclear. Previously, users could modify a tag to disable the speaker.  

Expanded Range And Improved Performance 

Apple AirTag2 now uses the second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, also in iPhone 17, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Series 11. Users follow haptic, visual, and audio feedback to find items.  

Bluetooth has been upgraded, increasing the location range. The new AirTag works with Apple Watch Series 9 or later, and Ultra 2 or later, so users can track items from their wrists.  

Upgraded Security Features 

Apple has completely redesigned AirTag, prioritizing user safety. AirTag does not store location or history on the device, and all Find My Network communication is protected by end-to-end encryption.  

Apple says the new AirTag incorporates industry-first protections against unwanted tracking alerts, including cross-platform and frequently changing Bluetooth identifiers.  

It remains unclear how many of these features pertain to the previous AirTag. We have contacted Apple for clarification.  

Environmental Improvements 

According to Apple, the new AirTag is designed with the environment in mind as part of Project 2030. It features:  

• 85% recycled plastic in the enclosure  

• 100% recycled rare earth elements in all magnets  

• 100% recycled gold plating on all Apple-designed printed circuit boards  

The new AirTag works fluently with Share Item Location, an iOS feature that helps users recover misplaced items by temporarily and securely sharing their location with trusted third parties, such as airlines. Apple has partnered with over 50 airlines to privately and securely accept shared item location links.  

With Share Item Location, users can share the location of a misplaced item with a participating airline’s customer service team. According to SITA, a leading IT provider for airlines, carriers report that this feature has reduced baggage delays by 26% and reduced the number of unrecoverable bags by 90%. Only authorized personnel can access shared locations via a secure Apple account or through an airline’s authentication. The shared location is disabled once the user is reunited with their item. The owner can stop it at any time, and it will automatically expire after 7 days.  

Where to Buy? directs users to their next step after learning about improvements: making a purchase 

Apple has kept the same AirTag design, so you can continue using your current keychains and luggage tags without buying new accessories.  

An AirTag is available for purchase through Apple’s online store, physical Apple store locations, and authorized third-party sellers. A single AirTag costs $29, and a 4-pack costs $99.