Apple’s second‑generation AirTag introduces a new ultra‑wideband chip that boosts detection range by roughly 50 %, a louder built‑in speaker for clearer alerts, and native Apple Watch‑only tracking. The design stays identical to the 2021 model, preserving the replaceable CR2032 battery and accessory compatibility, while a recycled‑material key ring line adds a sustainable touch.
Key Hardware Upgrades
Extended Ultra‑Wideband Range
The updated UWB chip expands the effective communication distance by about half, allowing Precise Finding to locate items from farther away with finer directional accuracy. This improvement works alongside a tuned Bluetooth radio that broadens overall detection coverage.
Improved Speaker Volume
Apple increased the speaker’s output, delivering an alert tone that is roughly twice as loud as the original. The louder sound makes it easier to locate the tag in noisy environments such as crowded streets or large homes.
Apple Watch‑Only Tracking
For the first time, users can initiate a locate request directly from the Apple Watch without needing a nearby iPhone. This addition deepens the AirTag’s integration within Apple’s ecosystem, turning the watch into a dedicated tracking hub.
Power Source and Compatibility
The AirTag continues to use a user‑replaceable CR2032 coin‑cell battery. The battery compartment and overall dimensions remain unchanged, ensuring full compatibility with existing AirTag accessories such as cases, loops, and mounts.
Eco‑Friendly Accessory Line
Apple launched a new series of key rings woven from 68 % recycled material. Available in five colors, these rings snap onto the AirTag’s built‑in loop, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic accessories.
Market Position and User Impact
By extending range, amplifying alerts, and adding Watch‑only tracking, the second‑generation AirTag addresses common user concerns while retaining the low‑cost price point that made the original popular. Backward‑compatible dimensions mean existing accessories remain usable, and the replaceable battery continues to be a practical advantage over competitors that require proprietary chargers.
Availability and Pricing
The new AirTag shipped two days after its announcement and is sold through Apple Stores, Apple’s online store, and major electronics retailers in Japan. Pricing is ¥4,980 for a single unit and ¥16,980 for a four‑pack, with the four‑pack offering a modest per‑unit discount.
