Apple has officially announced the second-generation AirTag, marking its first hardware release of 2026. Nearly five years after the original AirTag launched in 2021, the updated model focuses on meaningful tracking improvements while keeping the familiar design, price, and accessory compatibility intact.
At the core of the second-generation AirTag is Apple’s new Ultra Wideband U2 chip. This upgrade significantly improves Precision Finding, allowing users to locate items from up to 50 percent farther away than before. When paired with an iPhone, Precision Finding continues to use visual, audio, and haptic cues to guide users directly to a lost item, but the expanded range makes the experience faster and more reliable in larger spaces.
For the first time, Precision Finding is also available on Apple Watch. Users with an Apple Watch Series 9 or later, as well as Apple Watch Ultra 2 or newer, can now track AirTags directly from their wrist, provided their devices are running the latest watchOS 26 updates. Apple says this change is designed to make finding items more convenient when an iPhone is not immediately accessible.
Design and hardware updates
Visually, the second-generation AirTag looks identical to the original model. It retains the same circular shape, size, and IP67 water and dust resistance rating, which means existing cases, key rings, and mounts continue to work without any issues. Apple also confirmed that the AirTag still uses a user-replaceable CR2032 coin cell battery, with battery life rated at more than a year.
Internally, Apple has made a few notable changes. Alongside the U2 chip, the second-generation AirTag features an upgraded Bluetooth chip that improves general tracking range outside of Precision Finding. Apple has also added a louder speaker that is up to 50 percent louder than before, making it easier to locate misplaced items nearby. The new speaker also introduces an updated chime designed to be more noticeable.
Software, privacy, and safety
The second-generation AirTag continues to rely on Apple’s Find My network, which uses nearby Apple devices to securely relay location data. Software features remain largely unchanged, including Lost Mode and Apple’s Share Item Location feature, which allows users to share an AirTag’s location with participating airlines to help recover misplaced luggage. Apple says this airline support is expanding and will reach 50 airlines over time.
Apple has also carried over its existing safety and anti-stalking measures. If an unknown AirTag is detected moving with someone, both iPhone and Android users receive alerts. These protections were introduced after the original AirTag launch and remain a key part of the second-generation AirTag experience.
From an environmental standpoint, Apple says the new AirTag enclosure uses 85 percent recycled plastic, with 100 percent recycled rare earth elements in its magnets and recycled gold in the circuit boards. Packaging remains fully fiber-based.
Pricing and availability
Pricing for the second-generation AirTag remains unchanged. A single AirTag costs $29, while a four-pack is priced at $99 in the US, with similar pricing in other regions. Free personalized engraving is still available through the Apple Store. The new AirTag is available to order starting today, with in-store availability rolling out later this week.
While the update is not a radical redesign, Apple’s second-generation AirTag delivers clear improvements where they matter most. Better Precision Finding range, Apple Watch support, stronger Bluetooth performance, and a louder speaker make it a solid refinement of an already popular tracker.
