Apple AirTag 2: Features, Price, Release Date & Full Review

The Apple AirTag 2 is the next generation of Apple’s item-tracking technology. This upgraded model features a triple-extended Precision Finding range of 60 meters (200 feet), a more powerful Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip, and a significantly louder speaker for easier locating. Apple AirTag 2 was officially announced on January 26, 2026 and is available to order now, with many countries receiving it in stores by late January 2026.

What Are the Key Features of Apple AirTag 2?

Here are the main features of the Apple AirTag 2,

1. Upgraded Tracking Technology

• Second-generation Ultra Wideband U2 chip (upgraded from U1)
• Precision Finding works from up to 50% farther away than the previous generation
• Upgraded Bluetooth with connectivity improvements
• Bluetooth range that is 1.5 times greater than its predecessor

2. Improved Audio

• Speaker is 50% louder than the original AirTag
• Users can hear their AirTag from up to 2x farther than before
• Plays a different, more ear-piercing chime that makes it easier to find items

3. Apple Watch Support

• For the first time, Precision Finding works on Apple Watch Series 9 or later, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 or later

4. Design & Build

• Same external design as the original AirTag
• Weighs 11.8 grams, which is 7% heavier than the original
• Text on the back is now in capital letters and lists IP67 water and dust resistance, NFC, and Find My support
• Enclosure constructed from 85% recycled plastic

5. Battery & Compatibility

• Uses the same CR2032 coin cell battery, lasting more than a year
• Requires iOS 26 or later
• Compatible with existing AirTag accessories

6. Pricing

• Single AirTag priced at $29, four-pack for $997 (same as original)
• Free engraving available

The AirTag 2 retains all core features from the original including Find My network tracking, Lost Mode, NFC scanning, and sharing capabilities with airlines for luggage tracking.

AirTag 2 vs AirTag: What’s Different?

While the AirTag 2 shares the same external design and core functionality as the 2021 original, it excels in range and usability for users who frequently rely on Precision Finding. The original remains effective for basic network-based tracking but falls short in audible alerts and detection distance. Upgrading is worthwhile for Apple Watch users or those in larger spaces, but the original suffices for most casual needs.

Feature	Original AirTag	AirTag 2
Precision Finding Range	Up to ~42 feet	Up to ~110 feet (2x improvement)
Speaker Volume	67.3 dBA	77.5 dBA (50% louder, 2x audible distance)
UWB Chip	U1	Second-generation (expanded connectivity)
Apple Watch Support	No	Yes (Series 9+, Ultra 2+)
Bluetooth Range	Standard	Upgraded for better proximity
Price	$29 single / $99 four-pack	Same
Eco Materials	Recycled components	85% recycled plastic enclosure
Battery	CP2032	CP2032

What Is the Range of New Apple AirTag?

The biggest improvement in AirTag 2 is its significantly extended Precision Finding range.

According to Apple, AirTag 2 covers a distance of up to 3 times the Precision Finding distance of AirTag original.

Estimated AirTag 2 Range:

• Up to 60 meters (200 feet) for Precision Finding 
• Utilizes the most recent Ultra Wideband technology at Apple.
• Better Stability in Bluetooth Signals.

This allows users to now find localized items significantly further through the use of directional arrows, distance options and haptic feedback within the Find My app.

Therefore, in case you are asking what is the range of new Apple AirTag, the answer is also obvious: it has one of the longest Precision Finding among consumer Bluetooth trackers in the market today.

It should be mentioned that AirTag 2 is still dependent on two systems:

• Precision Finding for close-range location
• Find My network for long-distance, global tracking

The extended Precision Finding range greatly improves the close-range experience.

How AirTag 2 Achieves Better Range:

AirTag 2 includes a next-generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip, similar to the chip found in newer iPhone models. This enhanced chip has a significant contribution towards aiding precision and range.

The new hardware enables:

• Faster communication with nearby iPhones
• Less inaccurate distance estimates.
• Very good and powerful wireless links.
• Improved power efficiency

Apple has also streamlined the placement of antennas and the performance of Bluetooth in order to minimize the interference and signal loss.

All these additions make the AirTag 2 range more stable and predictable even in practical scenarios, e.g., busy indoor areas or the open outdoors.

Is the Apple AirTag 2 Speaker Louder?

Apple has upgraded the internal speaker in the new AirTag 2 to produce louder and clearer sounds.

Benefits include:

• Easier to hear in crowded areas
• Faster locating inside bags or drawers
• More noticeable alerts when separated from items

Many users of the original AirTag reported that the sound could be difficult to hear in noisy environments. AirTag 2 directly addresses this issue with improved audio output.

Apple AirTag 2 Design: What’s Changed and What Hasn’t?

At first glance, AirTag 2 looks nearly identical to the original model.  Apple retained the similar size and shape of a coin -like design to be compatible with the current accessories.

Internally, however, Apple has made refinements:

• More tamper-resistant speaker design
• Enhanced internal layout
• Greater privacy security.

People do not need to replace accessories as they can still use their favourite AirTag keychains, wallet holders, cases, and mounts.

While the exterior is nearly identical to the original, the internals have been significantly redesigned for durability and security:

• Thinner PCB: The main Printed Circuit Board (PCB) is visibly thinner than the original, allowing Apple to stack components more efficiently.
• Repositioned Battery Connectors: The battery connectors are set at a different angle, which some users noted as a “3-degree” shift to better accommodate the new internal layout.
• Tamper-Resistant Speaker: Apple has moved from a relatively easy-to-remove speaker magnet to one that is more firmly secured with increased adhesive. This makes it much harder for thieves (or privacy-conscious users) to disable the speaker manually.
• Internal Markings: The battery compartment now includes new markings, including a small QR-code-like graphic used for internal manufacturing or diagnostics.

How Long Does AirTag 2 Battery Last?

AirTag 2 continues to use a replaceable CR2032 coin cell battery, making maintenance simple.

• Battery life: Up to 1 year
• Low-battery alerts via Find My app
• Easy user replacement

Although the tracking range is extended, efficiency gains made by Apple keep the battery life to the same level as the original model.

What Is the Apple AirTag 2 Price?

Apple has maintained competitive and low pricing.

Expected AirTag 2 price:

• Single AirTag 2: Around $29
• Four-pack: Around $99

Such a price will ensure that AirTag 2 remains accessible to a large portion of customers and also provide considerable performance improvements.

Where Can You Buy Apple AirTag 2?

Shortly after launch, customers will be able to purchase AirTag 2 from:

• Apple Store
• Amazon
• Best Buy
• Walmart
• Apple Authorized Sellers

Searching for AirTag 2 Amazon will display multiple listings, including bundle deals and accessory packages

What Can You Track with Apple AirTag 2?

AirTag 2 is designed for everyday tracking of:

• Keys
• Wallets
• Backpacks
• Luggage
• Handbags
• Cameras
• Remote controls
• Bikes

The long distance feature of AirTag 2 is particularly useful in expansive sections including airports, malls, hotels, warehouses and car parks.

Key Highlights of Apple AirTag 2

• Up to 3× longer Precision Finding range
• New Ultra Wideband chip
• Louder built-in speaker
• Same compact design
• One-year battery life
• Strong privacy protections
• Affordable pricing

AirTag 2 Review: Should You Upgrade?

TL;DR (upgrade advice)

• Buying new AirTags today: get AirTag (2nd generation)—same price, better “find it nearby” experience.
• Already have 1st‑gen AirTags and they’re working fine: you don’t need to replace them unless you specifically want the new Apple Watch Precision Finding, a louder speaker, and longer near-range finding. 
• Can’t (or won’t) update to iOS/iPadOS 26: don’t upgrade—the 2nd‑gen AirTag requires iOS/iPadOS 26+ (and Apple’s setup doc calls out iOS/iPadOS 26.2.1+ to add it). 2

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Should you upgrade? Decision guide (most common scenarios)

Upgrade is worth it if…

1) You use “find nearby” a lot (keys, wallet, remote, bag in the house).
The combo of 50% louder sound + improved Precision Finding is exactly aimed at those “it’s somewhere right here” moments. 

2) You want to find stuff from your wrist.
If you have a Series 9 / Ultra 2 and like the idea of locating items without pulling out your phone, this is the single most “new” quality-of-life feature—and it’s 2nd‑gen only. 

3) You’re buying additional AirTags anyway.
Since pricing stayed the same, it’s hard to justify buying old stock unless you need compatibility with an older iPhone/iPad that can’t run iOS/iPadOS 26. 

Don’t upgrade (keep your current AirTags) if…

1) Your current AirTags mostly live in luggage/bikes/cars and you rarely “beep-and-hunt” indoors.
For many people, the original AirTag is already “good enough” because the Find My network experience (crowd-located updates) is broadly similar day-to-day; the 2nd‑gen upgrades are most noticeable at close range. 

2) You’re not on iOS/iPadOS 26 (or can’t update).
Apple’s tech specs say iOS/iPadOS 26.0+ is required, and Apple’s setup instructions specifically say you need iOS/iPadOS 26.2.1+ to add an AirTag (2nd generation) to Find My—so older devices are effectively blocked. 

3) You were hoping for a redesign, rechargeable battery, or radically different tracker.
This is a “same idea, better at the edges” refresh: same size, same replaceable coin-cell approach, same general workflow. 

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A practical upgrade strategy (so you don’t waste money)

• Replace-as-you-go: Keep your 1st‑gen AirTags on items you rarely misplace (checked luggage, stored bins, spare keys). Put 2nd‑gen AirTags on your most frequently lost items (daily keys, backpack, camera bag). This gets you the louder speaker / better close-range finding where it matters most. 1
• Don’t rebuy accessories: If you already have holders/keyrings, the 2nd‑gen keeps the same form factor and remains compatible with existing AirTag accessories. 1

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Conclusion:

Apple AirTag 2 represents a smart and practical evolution of Apple’s tracking technology. Its greatest enhancement, which is its extended Precision Finding distance, is the direct answer to the question: what is the range of new Apple AirTag? The maximum accuracy of 60 meters of tracking allows locating a lost object more quickly and easily than ever before. 

Along with a higher speaker, an enhanced Ultra Wideband chip, excellent privacy controls, and the design everyone knows, AirTag 2 has great value. AirTag 2 is a better and more confident tracking experience whether you are an upgrade or a first-time buyer of the original AirTag.

FAQs

Still rocking the original? Check out our guide on “10+ Things to Know About the New AirTag 2″ while you wait for the upgrade!” Keep scrolling our X-Tech category for more updates.