AirTag 2: All new features and things that didn’t change
Apple has announced the second generation of its popular item tracker, featuring extended range, louder speakers, and improved precision finding. Here’s all you need to know about the new AirTags 2.
The same look and design
AirTag (2nd generation) looks the same as its predecessor and still comes in just one color (white). It has the same design and a user-removable back cover. Your existing AirTag keyrings, covers, and accessories should fit the new model.
Slightly heavier
The 2nd iteration is every so slightly heavier by 7.2%. The old AirTag weighed 11 grams, while the new one comes in at 11.8 grams.
New Ultrawide band chip
AirTag 2 has the improved second-generation Ultra Wideband chip (U2). This is the same spatial awareness chip that’s found in iPhone 15 and later (except iPhone 16e), Watch Series 9 and later, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later.
Longer range
Having the improved U2 chip in place of the U1 chip boosts the Precision Finding range of these new AirTags by 1.5 times. This means you’ll have a better experience, seeing the exact distance and direction to go when looking for your missing item.
Note:
- You can use your iPhone 15 or newer (except 16e) to get better signals when looking for your AirTag 2nd generation around you.
- If you have an iPhone 11 to iPhone 14 and iPhone 16e, you’ll be limited to the same Precision Finding range as AirTag 1st generation. This is because these iPhone models have the U1 chip with lessor range.
Precision Finding now on Apple Watch
You can use Precision Finding on Apple Watch Series 9 or later and Apple Watch Ultra 2 or later to locate AirTags 2. In the case of AirTags 1, Precision Finding was only available on iPhone.
Louder speaker
Apple claims that the new AirTag 2nd-generation speakers are 50% louder. This ensures you can find your missing item more easily, and a thief will now have to do extra work to suppress the louder noise.
A different chime
AirTags 2 play a different sound when you locate it with the Find My app. This new chime (listen here) appears to be more ear-piercing, so you can find your missing keys or wallet even if it’s under a big pile of clothes or hiding under the cushions.
Improved Bluetooth
AirTags use Bluetooth to communicate with other Find My network devices, and the 2nd-generation tracker has an upgraded Bluetooth chip with better range, ensuring these new AirTags can relay signals to even far-off iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
A new reset process
You now need to remove the battery, wait for 5 seconds, reinsert the battery, and repeat this process 4 times to reset your AirTags 2nd generation. In comparison, you can reset the 1st-generation AirTag by removing the battery once.
Same splash, water, and dust resistance
AirTags 2 have the same IP67 water and dust resistance as AirTag 1. It can theoretically stay submerged in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes.
Still uses the same battery
The new version continues to use the same CR2032 coin cell battery, which Apple claims can last for more than a year.
Has all the functions from the previous generation
AirTags 2 retain all features of its predecessor, like location tracking, Lost Mode, sharing with family and friends, sharing its location with airlines to help track your missing bag, and more.
Same price
A single AirTag 2 costs $29 (U.S.), while the four-pack costs $99 (U.S.). This is the same as the previous generation. But note that in some countries, such as India, the price of this new model is slightly higher than AirTag 1.
You can still make it personal by engraving
You can get your AirTags 2 engraved with emoji or text when you order from Apple’s official website or Apple Store app (not in physical stores).
An easy way to differentiate between the AirTags 1st and 2nd generations
Since the size and looks of both generations are the same, and a seven percent weight difference is impossible to notice, how do you know which AirTags are the new model and which ones are old? Thankfully, there’s an easy way to know this.
Unlike AirTag 1, the text on the back of AirTag 2 is all UPPERCASE (except for the word ‘AirTag’ itself). Plus, the text on both is also different, as shown in the image below.
Will you be buying the new AirTags? And in case you decide to, make sure your iPhone or iPad is updated to iOS 26 or iPadOS 26.
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Source link: https://www.idownloadblog.com/2026/01/28/about-airtags-2/
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