Apple Launches Enhanced AirTag: Extended Range and Improved Tracking
Apple has announced the release of its second-generation AirTag, enhancing item tracking capabilities. This updated version features an extended connectivity range, improved tracking, and a louder speaker, making it even more effective at helping users locate lost belongings.
Enhanced AirTag Features
Equipped with Apple’s advanced Ultra Wideband chip, the new AirTag enables Precision Finding for items located up to 50% farther than its predecessor. Feedback mechanisms such as haptic, visual, and audio cues guide users to their lost items with remarkable accuracy.
Improved Sound and Visibility
The new AirTag boasts a speaker that is 50% louder than the previous model. Users can hear its alerts from a greater distance, facilitating easier retrieval of items such as keys buried in furniture or misplaced wallets as they exit their homes.
Integration with Apple Devices
For the first time, users can utilize Precision Finding with the Apple Watch Series 9 and later models, enhancing the tracking experience. This integration allows users to locate their AirTags directly from their wrists, promoting convenience and accessibility.
Find My Network Capabilities
The AirTag leverages the Find My network, a crowdsourced system that taps into Apple devices’ Bluetooth technology. This network is essential for tracking lost items when they are out of the paired device’s range.
Share Item Location Feature
- Allows users to share their AirTag’s location with trusted parties, including airlines for tracking lost luggage.
- Apple has collaborated with over 50 airlines to streamline the recovery process for delayed or lost items.
- This feature has helped reduce baggage delays by 26% and instances of completely lost luggage by 90%.
Security and Privacy Enhancements
Apple designed the new AirTag with robust security features to protect user privacy. It does not store location data on the device, and communication through the Find My network is encrypted, ensuring that only the rightful owner can access their item’s location.
Environmental Responsibility
In alignment with its commitment to sustainability, Apple has constructed the new AirTag using 85% recycled plastic and incorporates a fully recycled package. This focus on reducing environmental impact signals Apple’s dedication to creating greener products.
Pricing and Availability
The new AirTag is priced at $29 for a single unit and $99 for a four-pack. It is available for purchase on the Apple website and the Apple Store app. Additionally, users can add personalized engraving at no extra cost during checkout.
Compatibility
The updated AirTag requires a compatible iPhone with iOS 26 or later, or an iPad with iPadOS 26 or later. Features such as Precision Finding on the Apple Watch require the latest models, including Series 9 and Ultra 2.
In summary, the enhanced AirTag promises to transform the way consumers keep track of their belongings, offering advanced features, improved sound, and a strong emphasis on privacy and environmental responsibility.
