Apple AirTag 2 is here: better finding, louder beeping
For the second AirTag generation, Apple promises improvements in radio range and warning speaker. An eyelet is still missing.
(Image: Sebastian Trepesch / heise medien)
After almost five years, Apple announced new AirTags on Monday. The second generation of the Bluetooth trackers, which are outwardly obviously unchanged, integrates more powerful radio chips and ensures a louder beep. With one of the very latest iPhones (iPhone 17, iPhone Air and iOS 26), an AirTag 2 can therefore be located from a slightly greater distance using "Precise Search" via Ultra Wideband radio in its own environment. For the first time, it is also possible to locate an AirTag in close proximity directly from the Apple Watch (from Series 9, Ultra 2 and watchOS 26).
Apple promises more audible AirTag beeping
The louder speaker of the AirTags 2 helps to find a tracker more easily if it has slipped between the couch cushions, for example, according to Apple. An updated Bluetooth chip is also said to ensure a higher range, so that theoretically even third-party iPhones can detect a lost AirTag from a greater distance and transmit the location to Apple's servers or the owner.
Videos by heise
Apple has not announced any innovations regarding anti-stalking functions; the louder beep might also help here. Whether the speaker of the AirTags 2 can be deactivated just as easily as the speaker of the first AirTag generation remains to be seen for now. Apple does not market the trackers as anti-theft tools, because the stalking warning functions can also alert thieves to the device.
AirTag 2 still without an eyelet
The manufacturer is focusing on finding lost items. Cooperation with airlines has therefore led to a 90 percent reduction in incidents of completely lost luggage. Users can temporarily share the location of their AirTags with third parties – many airlines have now integrated this into their systems.
The coin-sized AirTags 2 fit into existing accessories, as Apple notes. However, this will continue to be absolutely necessary for many areas of application, as they still lack an eyelet or other hanging device. Power is still supplied by an interchangeable CR2032 button cell, which, as before, is expected to last longer than a year.
There is no change in price: a single AirTag 2 costs 35 euros at Apple, and a four-pack costs just under 120 euros. The bundle was usually available in stores for well under 100 euros. However, buyers should currently pay close attention to whether they are purchasing the first or the second generation of AirTag.
Empfohlener redaktioneller Inhalt
Mit Ihrer Zustimmung wird hier ein externer Preisvergleich (heise Preisvergleich) geladen.
Ich bin damit einverstanden, dass mir externe Inhalte angezeigt werden. Damit können personenbezogene Daten an Drittplattformen (heise Preisvergleich) übermittelt werden. Mehr dazu in unserer Datenschutzerklärung.
(lbe)
