Apple released the second-generation AirTag on January 26, 2026. It costs $29, the same as the original, but finds lost items better.
What Changed
Range
Precision Finding works from 50% farther away. The upgraded Bluetooth chip also extends how far you can locate items
Sound
The speaker is 50% louder. You can hear it from 2x the distance. New chime makes it easier to identify.
Chip
Uses Apple’s second-generation Ultra Wideband chip. Same chip in iPhone 17, iPhone Air, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple Watch Series 11.
Apple Watch Support
You can now use Precision Finding on your wrist. Works with Apple Watch Series 9 or later, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 or later.
How It Works
AirTag connects to the Find My network. When your AirTag is out of iPhone range, other Apple devices detect it using Bluetooth. They report the location back to you. The network is crowdsourced and anonymous. Precision Finding uses haptic, visual, and audio feedback to guide you to your item.
Airlines Using It
Over 50 airlines accept Share Item Location links. You can temporarily share your AirTag location with airline customer service when baggage goes missing.
Results from SITA, a major airline IT provider:
26% fewer baggage delays
90% fewer truly lost bags
Access is secure. Only authorized airline personnel can see the location through Apple Account authentication. Sharing expires after 7 days or when you disable it.
Real Stories
Since 2021, AirTag has helped people recover lost items:
A musician found their lost instrument and performed that evening
Someone recovered luggage containing lifesaving medication
Users have found lost keys, bikes, bags, and more
Privacy
AirTag stores zero location data on the device. All Find My communication is end-to-end encrypted. Only you can see your AirTag location. Apple cannot see it.
Built for tracking objects only. Not for tracking people or pets.
Anti-stalking features:
Cross-platform unwanted tracking alerts
Bluetooth identifiers change frequently
Environmental Impact
85% recycled plastic in enclosure
100% recycled rare earth elements in magnets
100% recycled gold plating in circuit boards
100% fiber-based packaging
Same size as original AirTag. All existing accessories still work.
Pricing
Single AirTag: $29
Four-pack: $99
Free personalized engraving on apple.com
Available now on apple.com and Apple Store app. In stores later this week.
Requirements
iPhone with iOS 26 or later, or iPad with iPadOS 26 or later
Apple Account signed into iCloud
Find My enabled in settings
Apple Watch Precision Finding needs watchOS 26.2.1
Why It Matters
Item trackers help people keep track of valuables. AirTag leads the category because of the Find My network size. Hundreds of millions of Apple devices help locate lost items.
The upgrade makes practical sense. Louder speaker helps in noisy places. Longer range means less searching. Apple Watch support adds convenience. At $29 with no price increase, the new AirTag delivers better value than the original while maintaining the same accessory compatibility.