Overview
Apple’s latest AirTag keeps the $29 price tag but adds a second‑generation ultra‑wideband (UWB) chip, a louder speaker and a higher‑pitched chime. The upgrades extend Precise Finding range by roughly 50 % and make the tag easier to hear in noisy environments.
Design & Build
The exterior is unchanged – a stainless‑steel plate fused to an 85 % recycled plastic body, about the size of a thick quarter. No buttons or ports, and the battery compartment still twists off for a replaceable CR2032 cell.
Key Upgrades
- Second‑gen UWB chip – 50 % farther Precise Finding (up to ~80 ft in ideal conditions).
- Speaker redesign – sounds 50 % louder with a higher‑frequency chime.
- Faster Bluetooth connection and more responsive tracking.
- Support for Apple Watch Series 9, Ultra 2 and later for Precision Finding.
Performance & Range
In real‑world tests the new AirTag showed Precise Finding at about 80 feet, compared with 30‑40 feet for the original. The “getting closer” UI appeared reliably, even through walls, as long as a Find My network device was nearby.
Battery & Setup
Setup remains effortless: pull the tab, insert the battery, and a pop‑up appears on a nearby iPhone. Battery life is still around a year, and the removable CR2032 can be swapped without tools.
Accessories & Pricing
Apple’s own key‑ring accessories still cost more than the tag itself (around $35). However, third‑party options from Mophie, Belkin and others are now available for roughly $15, offering a more budget‑friendly way to attach the AirTag to keys or bags.
Compatibility
- iPhone 15 or newer for full UWB Precise Finding.
- Apple Watch Series 9, Ultra 2 and later for on‑watch locating.
- Works with iOS 17/18 features such as Family Sharing and Share Item Location.
Verdict
The second‑generation AirTag is a solid, incremental upgrade. It retains the original’s simplicity while delivering a noticeably longer range and a louder alert. At the unchanged $29 price, it’s a worthwhile swap for anyone who already uses an AirTag, and the expanded third‑party accessory market makes attaching it to keys less pricey.