Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
When Apple upgrades its hardware, the differences are usually stark: things just look better iPhone Cameras, more laptop storage, or higher quality displays. But Apple just introduced a new version of its popular AirTag tracker that looks and behaves exactly like the one you probably have in one of your bags right now. However, there are some key differences with the second-generation AirTag (which Apple doesn’t technically call AirTag 2) that we’re here to dive into.
How much do AirTags cost?
The retail price for the AirTag is $29, or $99 for a pack of four. This has been consistent since the original AirTags were introduced in 2021. However, unless you’re buying directly from Apple, you’ll likely find them at discounted prices, often around $24 for a single AirTag and $75 for a four-pack.
So far, it looks like Apple and retailers will keep the second-generation AirTags at their retail prices. However, first generation AirTags sell for less than $100 $70 for a pack of fourbringing the cost per tag down to $17.50.
We don’t know how much stock there is for the first-generation AirTag, so the price may stick around for a while. It is also likely that once the second generation AirTags hit the market, they will also be discounted by third-party retailers.
Do the new AirTags (2nd generation) look different?
For the most part, the second-generation AirTag looks exactly like the first-generation model, from its white plastic exterior to its shiny aluminum backplate. There is a slight difference in weight: 11 grams (original) versus 11.8 grams (2nd generation).
Both are powered by a single CR2032 coin cell battery, which is easy to find and affordable. In my experience, the battery lasts about a year before it needs to be replaced.
How can you identify AirTag Generations?
First look at Apple’s new AirTag.
Since both generations of AirTags share the same design, you need to look for other clues to differentiate them. Flip it over and look at the writing engraved around the edge of the metal disc: if it’s in capital letters, it’s a new, second-generation AirTag. The new models also include “FIND MY” and “NFC” as well as “IP67”, which is a water and dust resistance rating.
The text of first-generation AirTags is in sentence case (first uppercase, then lowercase) and also contains “Designed by Apple in California” and “Assembled in China.”
Find the accuracy
The most significant difference between the AirTag generations is the presence of a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip in the latest AirTag models. This location chip is what indicates the tag’s location to nearby devices. It’s also what enables precise searching, which is one of AirTag’s best features. Both generations have it UWB chips – The second generation AirTag is the only one that has the upgraded version.
Instead of just seeing an AirTag somewhere in your home, a careful search guides you to the exact spot until you’re literally on top of it. Using the Find My app on your iPhone, looking for the marker points you in its direction and estimates its distance.
Newer Apple Watch models can use Precision Finding to locate the second generation AirTag.
However, you still need to be fairly close to any AirTag to find it, and that’s where the 2G advantage comes in: the upgraded UWB chip extends its detection range by 1.5 times compared to the original AirTag. The practical advantage is that you don’t have to wander around too much trying to lock on the marker signal before you get to it.
Another benefit is Apple watch Compatibility with careful research. Enables second generation UWB in new AirTags Apple Watch Series 9 And later as well Ultra model 2 And then, to use the same precise locator that iPhones have been able to use ever since iPhone 11. Make sure to update to WatchOS 26.2.1 to turn on this feature.
Longer Bluetooth range
AirTags (2nd generation) have what Apple calls an “upgraded Bluetooth chip” that extends the range of the tag’s Bluetooth network. It’s not clear what version of Bluetooth is being used; Apple only lists it as Bluetooth LE (low energy) on the back of the AirTag.
The longer Bluetooth range helps in several ways. It makes it easier for the tag to securely and privately connect to nearby devices to record its location and status, then share it with Apple’s Find My network.
For example, the reason you see that your luggage has arrived at your airport when you land is not because AirTag’s Bluetooth can access the gate where the bags are unloaded (it can’t). It’s someone’s iPhone on the plane or an employee at the airport that picked up the AirTag signal and passed it to the Find My network.
It also means your iPhone can pick up an AirTag more easily (which is a good thing in case someone tries to track you without your knowledge).
Louder speaker and new resonance
Both generations of AirTag have a speaker for those times when it’s easier to find the tag by listening to its locator chime after you ask it to turn it on. It also chirps when the battery is low and when there is an unknown AirTag nearby. The speaker in the second-generation AirTag is louder than the first-generation, which Apple says can be heard at twice the distance.
The new AirTag also uses a new recognizable chime that should be easier to hear in noisy environments.