Apple Unveils Second-Generation AirTag With Longer Range
Apple's AirTag gains a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, 50% louder speaker and extended Precision Finding range; price stays $29 and $99 for a four-pack.
Overview
Apple announced on Jan. 26, 2026 that it is replacing the original AirTag with a new model powered by a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip that Apple said extends Precision Finding up to 50% farther and includes a speaker 50% louder.
The upgrade also adds a new Bluetooth chip and makes Precision Finding available from Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, using the same UWB technology found in iPhone 17, iPhone Air, Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3, Apple said.
Apple said pricing remains unchanged at $29 for a single AirTag and $99 for a four-pack, and that the device integrates with Share Item Location across 50 partner airlines to aid luggage recovery.
Third-party estimates indicate AirTag devices accounted for nearly 70% of item trackers sold in late 2024, a market position that industry analysts say displaced rivals such as Tile.
Apple said orders for the new AirTag begin Jan. 26, 2026, the device requires iOS 26 and an Apple account to activate, and the company reiterated built-in anti-stalking alerts and rotating Bluetooth identifiers to reduce unwanted tracking.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the AirTag 2 as a consumer-friendly, incremental upgrade by leaning on Apple PR and positive anecdotes. Editorial choices—loaded descriptors like “indispensable,” first-person endorsement, and emphasis on improved range and airline partnerships—prioritize convenience. Source content (Apple quotes, SITA statistics) is repeated, while privacy or misuse concerns are downplayed.
Sources (4)
FAQ
The second-generation AirTag features a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip for 50% extended Precision Finding range, a 50% louder speaker, an upgraded Bluetooth chip for longer range, and support for Precision Finding on Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2.
Pricing remains $29 for a single AirTag and $99 for a four-pack, with orders beginning January 26, 2026.
Precision Finding works with iPhone 17, iPhone Air, Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and now Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2; it requires iOS 26 and an Apple account.
The new AirTag integrates with Share Item Location across 50 partner airlines to share location data for lost or delayed luggage recovery.
It features built-in anti-stalking alerts, rotating Bluetooth identifiers to reduce unwanted tracking, and privacy protections like encrypted location data and anonymous relay via the Find My network.
History
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