Apple AirTag 2 Announced: What’s New and What to Expect

After nearly five years of waiting, Apple has finally updated its popular tracking accessory. On January 26, 2026, Apple officially announced the AirTag 2, bringing meaningful upgrades while keeping the familiar design.

Although it looks almost identical to the original 2021 model, the improvements focus on real-world usability. Apple has addressed the biggest complaints from users, including limited range, quiet speaker volume, and tracking precision.

Here is everything you need to know about the new AirTag 2 and whether it is worth upgrading.

The Big Upgrade: Second Generation UWB Chip

The most important upgrade inside AirTag 2 is the second generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip, the same technology already used in newer devices like the iPhone 16 and 17 series.

This new chip significantly improves location accuracy and range. Precision Finding now works from much farther away, making it easier to locate items across large spaces such as airports, shopping malls, or multi floor buildings.

Apple also added Precision Finding support for Apple Watch. If you are using an Apple Watch Series 9, Ultra 2, or newer, you can now follow on-screen directions and haptic feedback directly from your wrist without needing to unlock your phone.

Louder Speaker and Improved Safety Alerts

One of the biggest complaints about the original AirTag was that it was too quiet. Apple has fixed this issue in the second generation.

The AirTag 2 includes a redesigned internal speaker that is around 50 percent louder. This makes it much easier to hear if the tracker is buried inside a backpack, couch, or luggage.

The louder speaker also improves Apple’s anti stalking protections. If an unknown AirTag is detected moving with you, the warning sound is now more noticeable, making it harder for someone to secretly track another person.

Design and Battery: What Stayed the Same

Apple has intentionally kept several things unchanged.

The AirTag 2 keeps the same round puck-shaped design as the original. This is good news for users who already own keychains, loops, or accessories made for the first generation.

Battery life also remains unchanged. The tracker still uses a CR2032 coin cell battery, which typically lasts over a year. Apple continues to favor replaceable batteries instead of rechargeable ones, allowing users to swap batteries instantly without waiting for a charge.

Price and Availability

Despite the hardware improvements, Apple has kept pricing the same as before.

The AirTag 2 costs 29 dollars for a single unit, while a four pack is priced at 99 dollars. Pre-orders are open now, with in-store availability beginning later this week in most regions.

Should You Upgrade to AirTag 2

If your current AirTags are working fine, there is no urgent need to replace all of them. However, if you frequently lose items indoors or in crowded public spaces, the improved range and louder speaker make AirTag 2 a worthwhile upgrade.

For new buyers, AirTag 2 is clearly the better option and represents a more polished and reliable tracking experience.

Source - apple.com , macrumors.com , theverge.com