On January 26, Apple officially released the second-generation AirTag, marking its first update in nearly five years since the initial release in 2021. The new AirTag makes significant use of UWB technology.
The new AirTag retains a largely unchanged design. It continues to be compatible with existing accessories and maintains the same price: ¥249 for a single item and ¥849 for a four-item pack. Free personalized engraving is available on the Apple website and the Apple Store App. This service allows users to customize text or images.
Location Range Expanded by 50%
In terms of performance, the second-generation AirTag features a core upgrade. It’s equipped with the same second-generation UWB (Ultra-Wideband) chip found in the iPhone 17 series, iPhone Air, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple Watch Series 11. This increases the effective search distance by up to 50% compared to its predecessor. As a result, users get more accurate direction and distance guidance over greater distances. This UWB chip sets a new standard for location tracking accuracy in AirTag products.
Simultaneously, the Bluetooth chip has been upgraded. This change further expands the overall connection range in non-precise search mode, ensuring stable tracking even in sparsely populated or weakly signaled environments.
Speaker Volume Increased by Approximately 50%
In terms of user experience, the second-generation AirTag features a redesigned internal structure, increasing speaker volume by approximately 50%. Users can hear the beeping sound from up to twice the distance of the previous generation. It also features a new, more distinctive alert tone. Therefore, it is easier to quickly locate items in hidden places such as sofa crevices and deep inside backpacks. Moreover, UWB improves the overall experience in precise location scenarios.
Battery life remains the same, using a CR2032 button battery. The official claim is for over one year of battery life, matching the first generation.
For the first time, precise location tracking is supported on Apple Watch.
Ecosystem and security features have also been enhanced. Previously limited to iPhone, precise location tracking is now available for the second-generation AirTag via Apple Watch. Apple Watch Series 9 and later, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later models, after upgrading to watchOS 26.2.1, can view the distance and direction of objects on their wrist without removing their iPhone. This is possible thanks to the UWB chip in these devices.
Leveraging a vast network of Apple devices connected through the Find My network, AirTag can report its location via Bluetooth signals from other devices even when it’s out of range of an iPhone. All communication is end-to-end encrypted. Furthermore, location information is accessible only to the owner.
Apple also emphasizes that the new AirTag is specifically designed for tracking items. It incorporates cross-platform alerts, frequently rotating Bluetooth identifiers, and other anti-tracking mechanisms, and does not store location history on the device. Additionally, UWB plays an important role in minimising risks associated with unauthorised tracking.
Furthermore, the new AirTag seamlessly integrates with iOS’s item location sharing feature. This allows users to temporarily and securely share the location of luggage and other items with airlines and other third parties.
Currently, Apple partners with over 50 airlines worldwide. Data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) shows that this feature can reduce baggage delays by 26% and the number of “confirmed lost” bags by 90%. The new AirTag is now available, continuing to emphasize high-precision positioning, privacy protection, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. In addition, the new UWB chip is one of the standout features of the second-generation AirTag.