Apple Unveils AirTag 2 With Hidden Upgrades

Apple’s second-generation AirTag, released on January 26, 2026, has landed with a host of under-the-hood upgrades that belie its familiar exterior. For fans of the original, the new model might look nearly identical at first glance, but a deeper dive—quite literally—reveals a series of meaningful changes. According to a teardown video posted by Joseph Taylor on January 27, 2026, and reported by multiple outlets including MacRumors and AppleInsider, Apple has taken a scalpel to its compact tracker, refining its internal design in ways that could have a real impact for users.

Let’s start with what hasn’t changed. The second-generation AirTag keeps the same compact, circular case as its predecessor, sticking with the tried-and-true CR2032 coin cell battery. Externally, the device is almost a dead ringer for the original. Only the most eagle-eyed users might spot the subtle differences: the text engraved on the metal housing is now fully capitalized and, for the first time, lists the device’s IP67 water and dust resistance, as well as its use of NFC and Apple’s Find My network. As MacRumors notes, these small tweaks are the only giveaways that you’re holding the latest model.

But, as the saying goes, it’s what’s inside that counts. The teardown by Joseph Taylor, which has quickly become a touchstone for tech enthusiasts, shows that Apple has made the AirTag’s main circuit board noticeably thinner. This thinner PCB (printed circuit board) isn’t just a feat of miniaturization; it also features repositioned battery connectors and new test pads, likely added for manufacturing or diagnostic purposes. Taylor points out that the battery connectors are now at a different angle compared to the first-generation model, which could make assembly more efficient or the device more robust in the long run.

There’s also a new marking inside the battery compartment that resembles a QR code. While Apple hasn’t said what it’s for, Taylor and others speculate that it could be used for internal tracking during manufacturing or perhaps for future servicing. It’s one of those little mysteries that Apple fans will no doubt debate in forums for months to come.

Sound is an area where the new AirTag aims to make itself heard—literally. Apple has increased the size of the speaker coil embedded in the plastic shell, a move that, according to AppleInsider, makes the AirTag 50% louder than before. The speaker magnet, previously removable with relative ease, is now much more firmly secured. This isn’t just a matter of durability; Taylor speculates that the increased use of adhesive and the more secure magnet could be part of an effort to make the device harder to tamper with or modify. "There’s glue. A lot of it," Taylor quips in his video, highlighting just how committed Apple seems to be in keeping curious hands at bay.

Interestingly, despite the physical changes, Taylor found that removing the speaker coil and magnet didn’t trigger any firmware-level lockout or alert. The AirTag still paired with his iPhone without a hitch. This means that, at least for now, Apple hasn’t implemented software restrictions to prevent hardware modifications—though the physical barriers are higher than ever before.

Another subtle but notable change is the sound the AirTag emits when paired. According to a user on X (formerly Twitter) and confirmed by Taylor, the chime has shifted from the musical note F to G, giving it a slightly higher pitch. For most users, this is a minor detail, but for those who rely on the sound to track down lost items in noisy environments, every decibel and frequency tweak counts.

Packaging, too, has received a thoughtful redesign. Gone is the folio-style box that held AirTags in two rows. Instead, Apple’s new packaging is narrower, with updated artwork and raised UV-printed text on the front. The box now includes paper adhesive pull tabs, making it easier to open and more environmentally friendly. Inside, the AirTags are lined up in a single row of four, with a simple cardboard insert and a single paper latch securing the lid. It’s a small change, but one that reflects Apple’s ongoing push toward sustainability and streamlined user experiences.

Externally, the new AirTag’s box also calls out the device’s water and dust resistance, a feature that was present in the original but is now more prominently advertised. For anyone who’s ever dropped their keys in a puddle or left their bag out in the rain, that’s a reassuring detail.

All these changes come as Apple seeks to maintain its lead in the crowded field of Bluetooth trackers. The most headline-grabbing upgrade is the improved Ultra Wideband finding distance, now extended to 200 feet. That’s a significant jump from the first-generation model and means users will have an easier time locating lost items in larger spaces. Whether you’re searching for a misplaced backpack at the airport or trying to track down a set of keys in a cavernous parking garage, that extra range could be a game-changer.

Apple’s decision to keep the AirTag’s external design consistent while making substantial internal improvements is classic Apple: evolution, not revolution. By focusing on the guts of the device—making it louder, more durable, and easier to manufacture—the company is betting that most users care less about how their AirTag looks and more about how well it works. And with the improved speaker, longer range, and more robust construction, the second-generation AirTag seems poised to deliver on that promise.

For those who already own the original AirTag, the question is whether these changes are enough to warrant an upgrade. If you’re happy with your current tracker, the new model’s benefits might seem incremental. But for anyone who’s ever struggled to hear their AirTag’s chime or wished for a bit more range, the improvements are tangible.

Apple has also made a subtle nod to repairability with the new test pads and QR-code-like markings, though the increased use of adhesive could make DIY fixes trickier. It’s a delicate balance between making a device tamper-resistant and keeping it serviceable, and Apple seems to be erring on the side of security.

In the end, the second-generation AirTag is a study in refinement. It doesn’t shout about its changes, but for those willing to look beneath the surface, there’s a lot to appreciate. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast eager for the latest and greatest or just someone who wants to keep track of your stuff, Apple’s latest tracker offers a little something extra—if you know where to look.