AirTag 2 unveiled: Greater range, tracking and protection

Apple has unveiled a new generation of AirTag, further developing its best-selling item finder. The focus is clearly on improving the locateability of lost items, increasing the range, and adding new features to the "Find My" network. At the same time, data privacy, security, and environmental responsibility remain central to the concept. The new AirTag 2 continues to be exclusively for locating objects and not people or pets.

Since its market launch in 2021, the AirTag has been used worldwide to locate keys, bags, bicycles, and luggage. Users regularly report situations where an AirTag has been crucial – for example, finding a lost instrument shortly before a performance or a piece of luggage containing vital medication. These experiences form the basis for the new generation, which addresses precisely where previous limitations lay in everyday life.

Technical improvements in range and localization

The new AirTag 2 is powered by the second-generation Ultra Wideband chip. This same chip is also used in the iPhone 17 family, the iPhone Air, and the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch Series 11. It enables significantly improved precision tracking. With "Precise Find," the location of a lost item is indicated through visual cues, haptic feedback, and audible signals. The range of this feature is up to 50 percent greater than the previous generation. Additionally, a new Bluetooth chip extends the area in which an AirTag can be located.

For the first time, "Precise Search" can also be used with an Apple Watch. Apple Watch Series 9 or later, as well as Apple Watch Ultra 2 or later, are supported. This makes it possible to locate an AirTag directly from your wrist.

Louder speaker and new signal

Apple has redesigned the internal components of the AirTag 2. As a result, the integrated speaker is approximately 50 percent louder than its predecessor. The sound can be heard from up to twice the distance. Combined with the new, distinctive alert tone, this makes it easier to locate items hidden under furniture or between pillows, for example.

The Find My network and object location are shared

The AirTag 2 is fully integrated into the "Find My" network. This network consists of millions of Apple devices worldwide that anonymously use Bluetooth to help determine the approximate location of a lost item. Even if an AirTag is out of range of your iPhone, the network can still provide a location report.

New is the seamless integration with the "Share Object Location" feature. This allows you to temporarily and securely share the location of a misplaced item with trusted third parties, such as airlines in the case of delayed baggage. Apple is working with more than 50 airlines for this feature.

According to IT service provider SITA, airlines were able to reduce baggage delays by 26 percent and permanently lost or unrecoverable baggage by 90 percent using this feature. Access to location data is restricted to authorized personnel, is granted via secure Apple accounts or partner authentication, and ends automatically after seven days or as soon as the item is found.

Data protection and protection against unwanted tracking

The new AirTag 2 is designed from the ground up to keep location data private. No location history or positional data is stored on the device. Communication with the "Find My" network is fully end-to-end encrypted, so only the owner has access to location information. Even Apple itself does not know the location or identity of the devices that assist in the search.

In addition, the AirTag 2 features industry-unique protection mechanisms against unwanted tracking. These include cross-platform alerts and regularly changing Bluetooth identifiers. The AirTag is expressly intended for tracking objects only.

Environmental aspects and accessory compatibility

The new AirTag 2 was designed with Apple's environmental goals in mind. The casing is made from 85 percent recycled plastic. All magnets contain 100 percent recycled rare earth elements, and the Apple-designed circuit boards are entirely coated with recycled gold. The packaging is 100 percent fiber-based and highly recyclable.

The AirTag's shape and size remain unchanged, ensuring compatibility with all existing AirTag accessories. This includes the Apple-designed fine-weave key fob, which is made from 68 percent recycled materials and is available in fox red, midnight purple, navy, moss green, and black.

Pricing, availability and system requirements

The new AirTag 2 costs €35 including VAT for a single pack and €119 including VAT for a pack of four. Free personalized engraving is available when purchasing through the Apple website or the Apple Store app. The AirTag is also available from authorized Apple resellers.

To use this feature, you need a compatible iPhone with iOS 26 or later, or an iPad with iPadOS 26 or later. You also need an Apple account signed in to iCloud and an enabled Find My feature. For Precise Find on Apple Watch, watchOS 26.2.1 is required.

AirTag 2 combines discoverability, data protection, and sustainability

With the new generation of AirTag, Apple is expanding its tracking system precisely where it matters most in everyday life: range, accuracy, and easy location. At the same time, data privacy, protection against misuse, and environmental responsibility remain integral parts of the product. The new AirTag thus positions itself as a sophisticated accessory for anyone who wants to reliably keep track of important belongings. (Image: Apple)