AirTag 2 vs AirTag: Here’s everything new

The successor to Apple’s AirTag was launched earlier this year, arriving five years after the first model. Here are all the new and improved features with AirTag 2.

Accuracy Getting an upgrade with the new Ultra Wideband chip

Precision Finding is a feature that uses your iPhone to help you easily, precisely locate your lost AirTag with the help of haptic, visual, and audio feedback.

With AirTag 2, Apple has added a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip that enables Precision Finding from up to 1.5x farther than what the original AirTag offers. Make sure you have an iPhone that supports extended range.

Additionally, owners of compatible Apple Watch models can now use Precision Finding to track the new AirTag. Apple Watch support is not available with the original AirTag.

Enhanced Bluetooth for better range

Apple says the AirTag 2 has an advanced Bluetooth chip that “extends the range where things can be found.”

Unfortunately, it is not clear exactly how much improvement to expect in this area.

Loudspeaker

The AirTag 2 comes with a speaker that Apple claims is up to 50% louder than the original.

If you’ve ever tossed your AirTag around and heard the sound of it playing, this upgrade is for you.

The upgraded speaker means you’ll hear the AirTag 2 “from up to twice as far,” according to Apple. And hopefully it will lead to easier recovery of lost items.

New privacy protections

The original AirTag was quickly used by bad actors for unwanted tracking. Although Apple has tried to reduce this problem with software updates over the years, it also has new privacy protection with AirTag 2.

From the announcement:

Designed specifically for tracking objects, not people or pets, the new AirTag includes the industry’s first protection against unwanted tracking, including cross-field alerts and unique Bluetooth identifiers that change constantly.

Apple doesn’t say if the “industry first security suite” ends with the two things mentioned, or if there are any other changes.

What hasn’t changed: Battery life, design, size, and price

For all that is different with the new AirTag, there is much that remains the same.

Battery life is the same as the new AirTag, with Apple citing “over a year” of use before the battery needs to be replaced.

The basic design and size of the AirTag 2 is also the same as its predecessor. That’s why you’ll need to read the fine print to tell which model you have.

Another benefit of this continuity is that existing AirTag accessories will work with the new AirTag. That includes one of my personal favorites: the Elevation Lab TimeCapsule, which lets you get a 10-year battery for the larger model, or 5 years for the smaller model.

The price of the new AirTag is the same as the previous one:

Did you upgrade to AirTag 2, and if so, what features inspired you? Let us know in the comments.

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