Apple AirTag 2 adds a 50% boost to Bluetooth range, a louder built‑in speaker, and direct Apple Watch tracking, while keeping the same price as the original. These upgrades make locating keys, wallets, and bags faster and easier, especially in noisy environments or when an iPhone isn’t nearby.
Key Upgrades in AirTag 2
Extended Bluetooth Range
The new Bluetooth radio reaches roughly 50% farther than the first‑generation AirTag, allowing nearby iPhones and Apple Watches to detect the tag from a greater distance.
Enhanced Ultra‑Wideband Precision
An upgraded ultra‑wideband (UWB) chip improves “Precise Finding,” delivering more accurate direction and distance cues on iPhones equipped with the U1 chip.
Louder Speaker for Better Audibility
The speaker volume has been increased significantly, making the chime audible in noisy settings such as cafés, gyms, or public transport.
Apple Watch Stand‑Alone Tracking
Users can now trigger a locate request directly from an Apple Watch without needing an iPhone nearby, streamlining the tracking experience.
Why the Improvements Matter
The original AirTag quickly became essential for tracking everyday items, but users often struggled with limited range and a quiet chime. By extending Bluetooth reach, sharpening UWB accuracy, and amplifying the speaker, Apple addresses the most common complaints, making the device more reliable for a broader audience.
Technical Overview
UWB Chip Advancements
The new UWB chip processes signals faster and penetrates obstacles better, providing clearer on‑screen direction arrows and distance estimates.
Bluetooth Low Energy Boost
Bluetooth Low Energy remains the backbone of the Find My network. The 50% range increase means tags are more likely to be picked up by passing Apple devices, updating their location in the cloud more quickly.
- Range increase: +50% Bluetooth coverage
- Speaker: Significantly louder chime
- Watch support: Direct locate from Apple Watch
Privacy and Security
AirTag 2 continues to emit rotating identifiers that change frequently, preventing long‑term tracking by third parties. The louder speaker also serves as a safety feature, alerting unintended carriers to an unknown AirTag.
Pricing and Availability
AirTag 2 is priced at ¥4,980 for a single unit and ¥16,980 for a four‑pack. Pre‑orders began on announcement day, with shipments starting later in the week and in‑store sales beginning on 28 January.
Market Impact and Future Outlook
With its enhanced hardware, AirTag 2 reinforces Apple’s lead in the Bluetooth tracker market, especially as competitors introduce their own UWB‑enabled devices. While the price remains unchanged, the performance gains are expected to drive higher adoption and set the stage for future generations that may add sensors like temperature or motion detection.
