January 26, 2026 · New Apple product
Apple has unveiled the next generation of its object locator, a AirTag 2 focused on offering greater search range and a considerably more powerful speakerThe accessory maintains the external design of the original model, but virtually everything important has been renewed inside.
With this move, the company reinforces its commitment to small tracking devices, a segment in which the AirTag has become one of the most popular products Since its launch in 2021. Now, the new version aims to be easier to find, more useful when traveling, and at the same time, more respectful of privacy and the environment.
An AirTag 2 with greater range and a clearly more powerful speaker
The heart of this AirTag 2 is a second-generation ultra-wideband chipThis is the same type of component found in the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, and the latest Apple Watch models, such as the Ultra 3 and Series 11. Thanks to this new chip, the Precision Find feature can guide the user to the lost item from approximately a 50% more distance compared to the first version.
The location is determined by combining Visual on-screen indicators, sound, and vibrationThe iPhone or watch then tracks both the direction and proximity of the object. This is especially helpful when the AirTag is hidden among cushions, tucked into a packed backpack, or in a different room than the user.
Apple has also thoroughly revised the audio system. The internal redesign allows the The integrated speaker gains approximately 50% in volume.In practice, this means that sound can be perceived from up to twice the distance as before. For everyday situations—like quickly locating your keys before leaving home or finding your wallet in a noisy apartment—this change can make all the difference.
In addition to the new ultra-wideband chip, the AirTag 2 incorporates a Optimized Bluetooth module that extends the range at which the device can be detected.This improvement not only helps initiate searches from further away, but also strengthens the connection with the vast network of Apple devices that are part of the Search system.
One particularly practical new feature for watch wearers is that, for the first time, Precision Search can be done directly from the wristUsers with an Apple Watch Series 9 or later, as well as an Apple Watch Ultra 2 or newer versions, will be able to see the exact distance and direction of the AirTag on the watch screen, without needing to take the iPhone out of their pocket.
Search Network and traveler feature: easier to locate luggage
The new AirTag 2 relies on the Apple's Search app and the global network of connected devices To facilitate the recovery of items, especially when they go out of range of the owner's iPhone. If the AirTag goes out of range, other compatible iPhones, iPads, Macs, or even accessories can anonymously detect its presence and send its encrypted approximate location to its owner.
Within this integration, the function takes center stage. Share Object LocationDesigned to temporarily grant access to an AirTag's location to trusted third parties, this tool is especially useful for travelers, as it allows them to share the location of a suitcase or backpack with an airline's customer service in case of lost or delayed luggage.
Apple claims that More than 50 airlines already collaborate with this systemAccepting private and secure links that allow them to track a suitcase equipped with an AirTag 2. According to aviation industry data cited by the company, the use of this feature would have contributed to Reduce baggage delays by around 26% and cases of unrecoverable bags by up to 90%., which demonstrates its impact on the travel experience.
The Object Location Sharing feature is time-limited and only authorized personnel can access the information. Access is granted through a secure Apple Account or partner authentication.The shared location is automatically deactivated after seven days or when the owner indicates in the app that they have recovered the item.
Beyond the airport environment, this feature can also be useful for lending valuables—such as cameras, technical backpacks, or musical instruments—without completely losing the control over its locationIn any case, Apple insists that the AirTag is designed to track objects, not people or animals, and that any use other than that purpose is discouraged.
Enhanced privacy and anti-tracking measures
Since entering this market, Apple has had to face debates about the possible misuse of locators to track peopleIn response, the company has been adding protections and claims that the AirTag 2 further strengthens safeguards against unwanted tracking.
On a technical level, the AirTag 2 It does not physically store location histories or personal data on the accessory itself.All information traveling through the Search network is protected with end-to-end encryptionso that only the owner —through their iCloud account— can see the location of their AirTag.
Neither Apple nor third-party devices participating in the network have access to personal details about who owns an AirTag or where it is exactly located. The devices that help locate an AirTag send data anonymously and encrypted.without revealing the identity of the users who have contributed to that collaborative search.
To minimize potential malicious use, the AirTag 2 It incorporates Bluetooth identifiers that rotate frequentlyThis makes it more difficult for someone to track a person using a single, constant identifier. Furthermore, alerts against unwanted tracking, which appear on both iOS and other platforms, are maintained and improved, notifying users if an unknown AirTag is detected moving alongside them for an extended period.
Apple emphasizes that the device was designed exclusively to locate objectsnot as a tool for tracking individuals or pets. The security measures themselves, such as automatic alerts and the speaker's behavior when suspicious situations are detected, aim to discourage such uses and offer greater peace of mind to those who may feel monitored.
Continuity of design, more recycled materials and full compatibility
On the outside, the AirTag 2 is almost indistinguishable from the first generation. The size, circular shape, and minimalist approach remain the same.This ensures that all existing accessories and keyrings remain valid, which is important for those who have invested in straps, leather keyrings, or specific mounts.
Where there are significant changes is in the choice of materials. Apple maintains that the new model has been developed with the plan Apple 2030 in mind, which aims for carbon neutrality throughout the entire chain at the end of this decade. For this purpose, the AirTag 2 uses a 85% recycled plastic in the casing100% recycled rare earth elements in the magnets and recycled gold in the printed circuit boards designed by the company itself.
The packaging has also been redesigned to reduce its impact, using paper made entirely of recyclable fiber and eliminating unnecessary plastics. These are small steps that, added to the mass production of an accessory of this type, can have significant environmental effects.
As for official accessories, the following remain available: fine braided keyring specifically for AirTagNow featuring 68% recycled content and a range of colors aimed at a broad audience, such as fox orange, midnight purple, navy blue, moss green, and black. However, by retaining the same format as the original AirTag, the existing third-party accessory market will remain fully compatible with the new version.
By maintaining the exterior design and only improving the interior, Apple aims to make the transition to the AirTag 2 virtually seamless: Those already accustomed to the first model will be able to replace it without changing how they use it or its accessories.But with added range, higher sound volume, and a more polished set of software features.
Price, availability and requirements in Spain and Europe
Regarding cost, the company has opted for a continuity strategy. The AirTag 2 is launched with the same price announced for this new generation: €35 if you buy a single unit and €119 for the pack of four trackers, an option designed for those who want to cover keys, suitcases, backpacks and other common items all at once.
The device It can be pre-ordered now through the official Apple website and the Apple Store app.This applies both in Spain and in the rest of the European countries where the company regularly operates. Its arrival in physical Apple Stores and authorized retailers is expected this week, with availability varying by region.
As is usual with the brand's products, the possibility is offered to Add a custom engraving at no extra cost when you buy the AirTag 2 online.This option is useful for quickly distinguishing each unit or for gifting the accessory with a short message, initials, or predefined icons.
In terms of compatibility, the new AirTag Requires an iPhone with iOS 26 or later, or an iPad with iPadOS 26 or laterYou need to sign in with an Apple Account and enable the Find My feature in iCloud settings to locate the accessory, share its location, and take advantage of the system's other advanced features.
For its part, Precision Search from Apple Watch is reserved This applies to Series 9 and later models, as well as the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and successors, running the latest version of watchOS. On other Apple Watches without this updated Ultra Wideband chip, Search integration will still be available, but without the specific improvements of this second generation.
The move to this new version of Apple's locator marks a clear evolution: Greater range, a significantly more powerful speaker, better integration with the Search ecosystem, and an increasingly serious focus on privacy and sustainability.All this without changing the format or the base price. For those who already relied on the original AirTag to keep track of their belongings, this new model is a logical upgrade; for those considering it for the first time, it arrives at a point of technological and usage maturity that makes it especially appealing in Spain and the rest of Europe.
