Apple has finally upgraded its AirTag, a Bluetooth tracker that has been a game-changer in the lost and found world since its debut in 2021. The new second-generation AirTag boasts several significant improvements, including Apple's latest Ultra Wideband chip, which enhances its ability to locate the tag with greater precision.
One of the most notable upgrades is the increased range, which can now reach up to 1.5 times further than its predecessor. This means that users will receive a more accurate and timely location update when using Apple's Precision Finding mode, which guides the user to their lost AirTag through visual, audio, and haptic feedback.
The new AirTag is also 50% louder than its predecessor, with a more noticeable chime that can be heard from twice as far away. The Bluetooth chip has been upgraded for improved overall range, making it even easier to keep tabs on your belongings.
Despite the significant hardware upgrades, battery life remains largely unchanged, with Apple citing "more than a year" of battery life. However, the battery is still user-replaceable, which should provide peace of mind for those who prefer to have more control over their device's lifespan.
To take full advantage of the new AirTag, users will need an iPhone or iPad running iOS 26, as well as an Apple Account and iCloud signing in. The software features remain largely the same, with Apple's Find My feature providing a network of devices to help locate and track lost items. A new feature called Share Item Location allows users to share the location of a missing item with airlines to facilitate their recovery.
The AirTag has also been made more eco-friendly, with 85% recycled plastic in its enclosure, 100% recycled rare earth elements in the magnets, and 100% recycled gold plating on printed circuit boards. The packaging is also made from 100% fiber-based paper.
Overall, Apple's upgraded AirTag offers several key improvements over its predecessor, including enhanced range, increased loudness, and improved eco-friendliness. While battery life remains unchanged, the device's new features make it an attractive option for those looking to keep track of their belongings.
One of the most notable upgrades is the increased range, which can now reach up to 1.5 times further than its predecessor. This means that users will receive a more accurate and timely location update when using Apple's Precision Finding mode, which guides the user to their lost AirTag through visual, audio, and haptic feedback.
The new AirTag is also 50% louder than its predecessor, with a more noticeable chime that can be heard from twice as far away. The Bluetooth chip has been upgraded for improved overall range, making it even easier to keep tabs on your belongings.
Despite the significant hardware upgrades, battery life remains largely unchanged, with Apple citing "more than a year" of battery life. However, the battery is still user-replaceable, which should provide peace of mind for those who prefer to have more control over their device's lifespan.
To take full advantage of the new AirTag, users will need an iPhone or iPad running iOS 26, as well as an Apple Account and iCloud signing in. The software features remain largely the same, with Apple's Find My feature providing a network of devices to help locate and track lost items. A new feature called Share Item Location allows users to share the location of a missing item with airlines to facilitate their recovery.
The AirTag has also been made more eco-friendly, with 85% recycled plastic in its enclosure, 100% recycled rare earth elements in the magnets, and 100% recycled gold plating on printed circuit boards. The packaging is also made from 100% fiber-based paper.
Overall, Apple's upgraded AirTag offers several key improvements over its predecessor, including enhanced range, increased loudness, and improved eco-friendliness. While battery life remains unchanged, the device's new features make it an attractive option for those looking to keep track of their belongings.