Apple AirTags Get a Major Refresh: AirTag 2 Arrives With Longer Range, Louder Sound, and Apple Watch Precision Finding

Apple AirTags are finally getting the upgrade many users have been waiting for. On January 26, 2026, Apple introduced the new AirTag—effectively “AirTag 2”—bringing a meaningful boost to how far and how confidently you can track down lost items, plus a louder speaker that’s harder to miss when keys or bags disappear into couch cushions, car trunks, or airport chaos.

The headline change is simple: AirTag 2 is easier to locate in real life. Better Precision Finding range, improved Bluetooth reach, and a louder alert are all aimed at the same moment—when you know the item is “nearby,” but you still can’t see it.

AirTag 2: What’s new in the new AirTag

AirTag 2 focuses on three practical upgrades that hit daily pain points:

• Precision Finding reaches farther: Apple says the new AirTag can guide you to an item from up to 50% farther away than the previous generation when using Precision Finding.

• Upgraded Bluetooth range: Beyond Precision Finding, a newer Bluetooth setup expands the distance at which you can connect and trigger sound alerts.

• A much louder speaker: Apple describes the redesigned internal speaker as 50% louder, and claims the sound can be heard from up to twice as far as before. There’s also an updated chime intended to be easier to recognize.

These changes won’t transform AirTag into a GPS tracker—AirTag still leans on the broader Find My network for far-away location updates—but they do improve the “final 10 meters” experience where most frustration happens.

Apple AirTags and Apple Watch: Precision Finding comes to the wrist

A notable shift with AirTag 2 is that Precision Finding isn’t just an iPhone-only trick anymore.

Apple says Precision Finding on Apple Watch is supported on Apple Watch Series 9 (or later) and Apple Watch Ultra 2 (or later), paired with newer software. In practice, that means you can use your watch to get directional guidance and distance cues—useful when you’re juggling groceries, traveling, or just don’t want to pull out your phone.

AirTag 2 vs AirTag: quick comparison

For most people, AirTag 2 is less about “new features” and more about fewer wasted minutes—less wandering, less guessing, fewer moments of hearing a faint chirp and not knowing which room it’s coming from.

Pricing, availability, and what you need to use AirTag 2

AirTag 2 keeps the familiar pricing structure in many regions, including $29 for one and $99 for a four-pack in the U.S. Apple continues to offer free engraving at checkout through its direct channels.

Availability is immediate for orders placed on announcement day, with in-store availability later in the week in many markets. Some regions are seeing deliveries begin around January 28, 2026.

On the software side, AirTag 2 requires a compatible iPhone or iPad running iOS 26 / iPadOS 26 or later, and Apple has also pushed a small update (iOS 26.2.1 era) tied to AirTag 2 support. For Apple Watch Precision Finding, newer watch software is required as well.

Safety, privacy, and the unwanted tracking question

Any AirTag update immediately raises a second conversation: misuse. Apple continues to frame AirTag as an item tracker—not something intended for people or pets—and highlights protections designed to reduce unwanted tracking. That includes cross-platform alerts and frequently changing identifiers meant to make covert tracking harder.

AirTag 2’s louder speaker also plays a role here: a tag that’s easier to hear is a tag that’s harder to hide.

Should you upgrade to AirTag 2?

AirTag 2 makes the most sense if you:

• Regularly rely on Precision Finding (keys, bags, camera gear, luggage).

• Often lose items in places where sound matters (car interiors, large homes, offices).

• Want wrist-based finding with Apple Watch supported models.

• Travel frequently and care about faster recovery in busy environments.

If your current Apple AirTags already meet your needs and you mainly use them for occasional “last seen” checks, upgrading is less urgent. But if you’ve ever stood in a room, convinced your keys are nearby, tapping “Play Sound” and still coming up empty—AirTag 2 is designed precisely for that moment.