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Apple's freshly baked item tracker, AirTag 2, is now available for purchase in the US and other countries with the same price tag of $29. This refresh comes more than four years after Apple launched the first-generation AirTag in 2021.
The official announcement for AirTag 2 discussed several key upgrades, most of which are under the hood. For starters, it comes with updated Bluetooth and UWB (Ultra Wideband) chips for improved range and better Precision Finding.
Speaking of which, Precision Finding on AirTag 2 works with compatible Apple Watch models, including Apple Watch Series 9 (or later) or Apple Watch Ultra 2 (or later).
Another thing that makes AirTag 2 easier to find is the louder internal speaker. However, it's hard to get a sense of it from the specs sheet alone. A short video clip shared on X compares the new AirTag chime to the old one, and the new high-pitched chime feels considerably louder.
While the two generations are virtually identical in look and feel, you'll find differences when you see them in real life. An AirTag 2 teardown from DIY enthusiast Joseph Taylor sums up several of them.
AirTag 2 features updated retail packaging
The differences between AirTag 2 and AirTag 1 are visible right from their packaging. For instance, the four-pack AirTag 1 features a rectangular box with internal packaging that houses AirTags in layers and folds like a book. AirTag 2, on the other hand, comes in a taller box that houses all AirTags in a line.
Apple has updated the text on the AirTag 2 retail box to make it appear raised and glossy, unlike the plain text on the previous generation. It features a new latch mechanism for the internal packaging material. Moreover, the plastic packaging for the AirTag 2 unit differs from the previous generation, appearing more hazy and paper-like.
Most upgrades are on the inside
Tearing apart the second-generation AirTag reveals Apple spent most of its time redesigning the internals. A QR code and an "R" symbol appear printed on the plastic casing when the battery is removed.
The modder noted that the PCB (Printed Circuit Board) on the AirTag 2 appears noticeably thinner than that on the AirTag 1. Still, Apple's official tech specs reveal that the AirTag 2 is slightly heavier than the AirTag 1 (see table below).
Among various changes, Apple has installed a new speaker to make the second-generation AirTag 50% louder, added more test pads to the circuit board, and angled the battery connectors differently.
A possible anti-stalking measure is that Apple has made the speaker magnet harder to remove by gluing it more firmly, and the speaker coil on the new AirTag is slightly bigger than before.
AirTag 2 vs AirTag 2: Specs comparison
If you're in for the fine details, here is a comparison of the tech specs for the first and second generation AirTag:
| Tech Specs | AirTag 1 | AirTag 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions |
Diameter: 1.26 inches (31.9 mm) |
Diameter: 1.26 inches (31.9 mm) Height: 0.31 inch (8.0 mm) |
| Weight | 0.39 ounce (11 grams) | 0.42 ounce (11.8 grams) |
| Connectivity |
Apple U1 Chip |
Apple U2 Chip (1.5x greater Precision Finding range) |
| IP Rating | IP67 (maximum depth of 1 meter up to 30 minutes) | IP67 (maximum depth of 1 meter up to 30 minutes) |
| Audio | Built-in speaker | Built-in speaker (50% louder) |
| Battery | CR2032 coin cell battery (replaceable) | CR2032 coin cell battery (replaceable) |
| Sensor | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| Software |
iPhone and iPod touch models (iOS 14.5 or later) iPads with iPadOS 14.5 or later Requires an Apple Account |
iOS 26/iPadOS 26 (or later) Requires an Apple Account |
| Operating Temperature | −4° to 140° F (−20° to 60° C) | −4° to 140° F (−20° to 60° C) |
| Find My | Yes | Yes |
| Accessibility |
VoiceOver |
VoiceOver Invert Colors Larger Text Compatibility with braille displays |
| Launch Price |
$29 (Single) $99 (Four Pack) |
$29 (Single) $99 (Four Pack) |
One of the main selling points AirTag has since its launch is that you can swap its coin cell battery in a few seconds. While it's probably the most 'un-Apple' thing to see, it makes sense when you're dealing with an item tracker that needs to do its job with minimal downtime.
Overall, the early impressions of the AirTag 2 suggest it's an iterative update. It's a quick reminder of the "S" iPhones Apple used to have back in the day, when it upgraded the internals while keeping a similar overall design between consecutive versions.
Apple is trying to build a mini ecosystem for AirTag, powered by its massive Find My network of devices, and the ability to share your AirTag's location with friends and airlines to track lost luggage.
While it appears Apple didn't spend a dollar redesigning the exterior, at least the company could have settled for different color options. But again, Apple has to sell its FineWoven Key Ring, available in different colors but costlier than the AirTag itself.
What do you think about the new AirTag? Tell us in the comments.
Hope you enjoyed this news post. Feedback welcome.
Posted Friday 30 January 2026 at 3:46 am AEST (my time).
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