After using a 4-pack of original AirTags since launch for everything from suitcases and mail keys to backpacks, I went hands-on with the new AirTag 2 to see if the upgrades actually matter.
So what’s new? AirTag 2 features a new second-generation Ultra Wideband chip that extends Precision Finding range by 50%, alongside an upgraded Bluetooth chip and a 50% louder speaker. Also new is using Precision Finding directly on an Apple Watch (Series 9 and Ultra 2 and newer).
From the outside, the design remains virtually identical. Unless you look closely at the text on the back, you wouldn’t be able to tell the two generations apart. I am glad Apple decided to stick with replaceable CR2032 batteries rather than a sealed unit; the AirTag 2 even comes with a Duracell battery pre-installed. Even with the battery cover off, the internal layout remains basically unchanged.
The headline feature for the second generation is a speaker that is supposedly 50% louder. In my side-by-side tests, the AirTag 2 does have a higher pitch and sounds slightly louder, but the difference is minimal. It definitely isn’t loud enough to justify replacing your existing setup. Precision Finding worked flawlessly with my iPhone, just as expected, and I was able to initiate it from noticeably farther away compared to the original. That added range is genuinely useful, especially if your AirTag is downstairs while you’re upstairs. In situations like that, you actually have a better shot at tracking down your keys when you’re already running late out the door.
I tested out Precision Finding on my Apple Watch and it worked as advertised. Precision Finding is much easier to use on an iPhone instead of walking around holding and looking at your wrist.
Looking ahead, it would make sense for Apple to eventually offer a version that supports wireless Qi2 charging, similar to the credit card trackers we see from brands like NOMAD. For now, the overall improvements feel more like a polish than a revolution. If you are new to the ecosystem, the AirTag 2 is the one to get. But if you already own the originals, there is no compelling reason to switch. Keep your first-generation tags and move on.
Apple kept pricing of the new AirTag 2 the same as before, which is great news. You should only buy these when they’re on sale, otherwise it’s a $39 investment for one or $129 for a 4-pack. The original AirTag 4-pack is on sale for $99.97 right now on Amazon.ca, which is a decent deal (at $25/each).