What happened
Apple announced the new AirTag on January 26, 2026, and opened orders the same day, according to Apple's announcement. Stock reached Apple Stores later that week. MacRumors pointed out that the original had arrived in 2021, so this was the first hardware revision in close to five years.
The main changes Apple listed:
- Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip. This is the chip behind Precision Finding, the on-screen arrow that guides you to a tag that's close by. Apple says it now works from up to 50% farther away. That's 1.5 times the old distance.
- Upgraded Bluetooth chip. Apple says this lets you locate items from farther away, though it gave no figure for the gain.
- Louder speaker. Apple says it is 50% louder, so you can hear it from up to twice as far away. It also plays a new chime.
- Precision Finding on Apple Watch. For the first time you can use the arrow on your wrist. You need an Apple Watch Series 9 or later, or an Ultra 2 or later, running watchOS 26.2.1. MacRumors said this does not work with the original AirTag.
The basics didn't change. It still uses a replaceable CR2032 coin cell that Apple rates at more than a year, has an IP67 rating, and works with existing AirTag holders and key rings because the shape is the same. Engraving is still free when you order from Apple.
What changed for buyers
How to tell them apart. From the front you can't. MacRumors' guide to the new model says the giveaway is the printed text on the metal back. On the new tag it's all capital letters, and it now mentions water and dust resistance, NFC and Find My. The new model is also slightly heavier, at 11.8 grams, about 7% more than the original. If you're buying a used or discounted AirTag, check the back or the box for "2nd generation" before you pay.
Compatibility. Apple's AirTag page lists an iPhone on iOS 26 or later, or an iPad on iPadOS 26 or later, plus an Apple Account. There is a catch on the range boost. Apple's footnotes say the longer Precision Finding distance needs an iPhone 15 or later or an iPhone Air, and it excludes the iPhone 16e and iPhone 17e. On those two models, and on older iPhones, the new tag still works with Find My, but you don't get the extra Precision Finding range.
Is the upgrade worth $29? If your original AirTags work, nothing stops working. The new model makes sense if you often hunt for keys or bags in the same building, if you wear a recent Apple Watch, or if you have trouble hearing the old chime. If you mainly use AirTags to see which city your checked bag is in, the original does that job.
Apple also pointed to Share Item Location, a feature in iOS rather than the tag itself. It lets you share an item's location temporarily with an airline. Apple said more than 50 airlines take part. The link ends when the item is found or after seven days.
Where things stand now (November 2026)
The second-generation AirTag is still the current model. Apple's AirTag page now describes only the new version. The list prices appear unchanged. AirTag wasn't among the products named in Apple's June price rises or September's iPhone increases. Retailers often go below list. In late October, MacRumors reported a single tag at $23 and a four-pack at $89 on Amazon and Best Buy, against the $29 and $99 list prices. Prices like that come and go, so check our price tracker before you buy.
If you're buying a new iPhone and AirTag range matters, the model you pick affects it. The iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 16 and iPhone 18 Pro fall within Apple's "iPhone 15 or later" range for the longer Precision Finding. The iPhone 17e is specifically excluded. For Apple Watch Precision Finding, the current Series 12 and Ultra 4 both qualify, since Apple's cut-off is the Series 9 and Ultra 2. Apple's list doesn't mention the SE line.
Bottom line
The second-generation AirTag is a quiet but real update. It has longer-range finding, a louder speaker and Apple Watch support, and it still costs $29. For a first AirTag, buy this one rather than leftover originals unless the older tag is much cheaper. For existing owners, it's an optional upgrade. Keep in mind that the extra range depends on your iPhone, and the 16e and 17e don't get it. More accessory news is on our news page.
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