The rumours had hinted at the AirTag getting an upgrade, and Apple did exactly the same. The next-generation AirTag, or AirTag 2, launches as the successor to the popular item tracker originally launched in 2021. The updated AirTag delivers significant improvements in connectivity range, findability, and audio cues, making it even easier for users to locate misplaced keys, wallets, backpacks, luggage, and other belongings through the vast Find My network.
The device retains its familiar compact, coin-shaped design for full compatibility with existing accessories, including the FineWoven Key Ring in five colours.
The new AirTag features Apple’s second-generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip — the same chip found in the latest iPhone 17 lineup, iPhone Air, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple Watch Series 11. This chip enables Precision Finding from up to 50% farther away than the previous model, providing more accurate directional guidance via haptic, visual, and audio feedback on compatible iPhones. Note that Precision Finding is now supported on Apple Watch Series 9 or later, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 or later, running watchOS 26.2.1 or higher. An upgraded Bluetooth chip further extends the overall detection range when items are out of direct proximity.
Next-gen AirTag gets major upgrades
Audio performance has also seen a major upgrade. An updated internal design makes the speaker 50% louder, allowing users to hear the AirTag’s chime from up to twice the distance. The device introduces a new, distinctive chime sound for quicker identification, especially useful in everyday scenarios like finding keys in a bag or locating luggage in a crowded airport.
Like its predecessor, the new AirTag relies on the crowdsourced Find My network, comprising hundreds of millions of Apple devices worldwide, to anonymously relay location data when an item is out of Bluetooth range. Apple says that all communications remain end-to-end encrypted, with no location history stored on the device itself and no identifying information shared about the helping devices.
Apple also emphasises the strong anti-stalking protections, including unwanted tracking alerts across platforms, rotating Bluetooth identifiers, and a design focused exclusively on object tracking (not people or pets).
A new Share Item Location feature allows users to temporarily and securely share an item’s location with trusted contacts or partners, such as over 50 airlines integrated with the system. This has already proven effective in reducing baggage mishandling — SITA reports a 26% drop in delays and 90% fewer permanently lost bags when shared tracking is used. Apple says that sharing is time-limited (up to seven days), revocable, and requires secure authentication.
Apple AirTag 2 price and availability
The new AirTag maintains similar pricing to the original. You have to pay Rs 3,790 for the single tracker and Rs 12,900 for the four-pack. The new model is already available through apple.com, the Apple Store app, and Apple retail locations, with free personalised engraving offered online.
