AirTags 2 vs AirTags 1: 10 things you need to know

It's finally time for the showdown: AirTags 1 versus the new AirTags 2. If you've been holding onto your original tags or thinking about grabbing the new ones, you're probably wondering if the upgrade is actually worth it.

We're breaking down the 10 most important differences. From the new chip architecture to the louder speaker, there's a lot going on under the hood even if they look identical on the outside.

Let's dive into the specs, the features, and the one thing that thankfully didn't change at all.

The design and battery

First things first, let's talk about the look. If you put them side by side, you won't tell them apart. The design has stayed exactly the same. That's actually good news for your accessories—your existing keychains and loops will fit perfectly.

They are also still powered by the standard CR2032 batteries. No proprietary charging cables here, just the easy-to-replace coin cells we're used to.

A massive internal upgrade

While the outside is the same, the inside is a different story. The biggest update is the move to the second-generation Ultra Wideband chip. This is the same silicon you'll find in the iPhone 17 models and the Apple Watch Ultra 3.

This isn't just a spec bump. This chip significantly increases performance and changes how you locate things.

Precision finding gets a boost

Thanks to that new chip, Precision Finding has been seriously improved. With the first generation, you could start tracking precisely between 10 and 30 meters. AirTags 2 pushes that range about 50% further.

If you aren't familiar with Precision Finding, it's the feature that puts a giant arrow on your iPhone screen to guide you right to your keys. It combines visual cues, sound, and haptics to get you there. Now, it just works from further away.

Better Bluetooth and sound

We've also got a new Bluetooth chip inside. This expands the general tracking range, helping you keep tabs on your luggage or backpack over longer distances.

But one of the most practical upgrades is the speaker. The audio system in AirTags 2 has been improved by 50%. It's reportedly two times easier to hear. Since these things are usually buried in couch cushions or deep in a bag, a louder chirp is a very welcome addition.

New software features

The hardware enables some new software capabilities that travelers will love. Specifically, Share Item Location is now available.

This lets you securely share the location of your AirTag with a trusted third party, like an airline. If your luggage gets lost, you can help them find it faster by giving them direct access to the location data.

Privacy and security

Security has been tightened up to what Apple calls a "top world level." They are leading the industry on unwanted tracker detection.

This involves unique cross-platform alerts and Bluetooth identifiers that constantly rotate. It makes the tags much harder to use for anything other than finding your own stuff.

A few other details

• OS Requirements: To use AirTags 2, your iPhone needs to be running the latest software (specifically iOS 26.2.1 according to the release notes)
• Sustainability: In line with the 2030 net-neutral goals, the new tags use more recycled materials and the packaging is 100% recyclable
• Pricing: Despite the upgrades, the price stays at $29 for one, or $99 for a four-pack

The verdict

So, is it worth the upgrade? With the same price point but significantly better range, a louder speaker, and that new UWB chip, AirTags 2 feels like a solid refinement of a product that was already great.

If you're buying new today, the choice is obvious. If you have the old ones, you might want to wait until the battery dies before making the switch. Let us know in the comments if you're planning to pick up a four-pack.