Apple Launches AirTag 2 With Longer Range And Louder Sound

The wait is finally over for Apple fans and forgetful folks alike: the second-generation AirTag has officially arrived, nearly five years after its initial debut in 2021. Released in the last week of January 2026, the AirTag 2 brings a handful of meaningful upgrades under its familiar exterior, aiming to make lost keys, bags, and even luggage a thing of the past—or at least, a lot easier to find.

At first glance, the AirTag 2 is almost indistinguishable from its predecessor. According to both 9to5Mac and Yahoo, the only visible difference is minor text capitalization on the back. For those who invested in accessories for the original AirTag, that's great news: all holders, keychains, and cases remain fully compatible. The AirTag 2 maintains the same quarter-sized shape and, as before, is only available in white. But while the outside hasn’t changed much, Apple has packed in some serious internal improvements that make this tiny tracker more effective than ever.

One of the biggest selling points of the AirTag—both old and new—remains its integration with Apple's massive Find My network. With over a billion Apple devices out in the wild, each AirTag can quietly ping its location to nearby iPhones, iPads, and Macs, allowing owners to track down their misplaced items without any subscription fees. The battery life is still about a year, powered by a user-replaceable CR2032 coin cell. When the battery runs out, just pop off the back, swap in a new one, and you’re back in business.

So what’s actually new in this second-generation model? For starters, the AirTag 2 boasts a noticeably improved Bluetooth and Ultra Wideband (UWB) range. As 9to5Mac reports, the outdoor Bluetooth range can now exceed 100 meters in ideal conditions—though, of course, mileage may vary depending on obstacles. Indoors, the difference is even more pronounced. The Precision Finding feature, which uses UWB to guide users directly to their lost item, has seen its effective range jump from about 10-12 feet with the first-generation AirTag to up to 35 feet with the AirTag 2. That’s a game-changer for anyone trying to find their keys in a cluttered house or a noisy office.

Speaking of noise, Apple has upgraded the AirTag 2’s speaker, making it about 50% louder than before. Yahoo’s hands-on review found that the new chime is not only louder but also pitched slightly differently, making it easier to distinguish in busy environments. This improvement isn’t just about convenience; it also enhances the AirTag’s anti-stalking alerts. If an AirTag is moving with someone who didn’t set it up, it will emit a series of beeps to alert them. A louder speaker means those beeps are more likely to be heard, whether the tag is buried in a backpack or tucked under a car seat.

For those who rely on Apple’s ecosystem, there’s another neat trick: Precision Finding with the Apple Watch. Owners of the Apple Watch Series 9, Ultra 2, or newer can now use their wrist to zero in on a lost AirTag, provided they’ve updated to the latest watchOS. While this feature works as advertised, both 9to5Mac and Yahoo note it’s not quite as seamless as on the iPhone. Initiating Precision Finding on the watch requires setting up dedicated Control Center widgets for each AirTag, and the range is somewhat shorter than with a phone. Still, it’s a handy option for those who prefer to leave their iPhone behind.

Despite these upgrades, the AirTag 2 is not a radical reinvention. As Yahoo puts it, buying an AirTag is a lot like purchasing insurance: you hope you never have to use it, but you’ll be glad it’s there when you do. The core experience remains unchanged—attach the AirTag to something important, toss it in a bag, and forget about it until you need to find it. The Find My app continues to provide a map of the last known location, and you can share an AirTag with friends or family so they can help keep tabs on shared items like car keys. There’s even a new feature allowing some airlines to access AirTag tracking information to help locate lost luggage, though details on airline participation remain limited for now.

Should current AirTag owners rush to upgrade? The consensus is: not necessarily. Yahoo’s review suggests that unless you often find yourself searching for lost items in sparsely populated areas—where the extended range might make a real difference—there’s little reason to replace a working first-generation AirTag. The new model is better, but not so much that it renders the original obsolete. For those buying their first tracker or looking to add a few more to their collection, however, the AirTag 2 is the clear choice.

One persistent quirk remains: the AirTag’s design still lacks a built-in attachment point. As 9to5Mac notes, users will still need to rely on third-party keychains or holders to attach the device to their belongings. While this keeps the AirTag’s design sleek and minimalist, it does mean an extra purchase for most users. Perhaps Apple will address this in a future iteration, but for now, it’s business as usual.

Pricing for the AirTag 2 remains unchanged from the original. As of January 28, 2026, a single AirTag retails for $29, while a four-pack can be picked up for $99. That’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing you can always track down your lost items—whether it’s your keys, your luggage, or even your pet’s collar.

In the end, the AirTag 2 is a classic Apple upgrade: subtle on the surface, but with enough meaningful improvements to keep it at the top of its category. With longer range, a louder speaker, and expanded Apple Watch support, it’s easier than ever to find what you’ve lost. For the forgetful among us, that’s a quiet revolution worth celebrating.