Apple has just released the second generation AirTag, five years after the original model was released. There’s been plenty of time for Apple to come up with improvements, so we thought we’d test the new model to see what’s changed, and whether it’s worth upgrading from the first-generation AirTag.
Unfortunately, Apple did not update the design of the AirTag 2, so it looks almost identical to the original model. The only thing that has changed is the text on the back, which is now on the skin and includes words about IP67 waterproofing, and that doesn’t count as any kind of design change.
It would have been nice to have different design options or a rechargeable battery, but the AirTag is the same character and still uses CR2032 batteries. Apple hasn’t said anything about battery life improvements, so the AirTag 2 still lasts about a year before you have to replace it.
Although there are no external updates, Apple has increased connectivity. AirTag 2 uses an improved version of Bluetooth and has a second-generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip, so it can be tracked from a distance via Bluetooth, and the nearby Precision Finding feature works at long distances.
According to Apple, Accurate Find works from 50 percent away, so when you lose your AirTag indoors or close to it, a UWB-enabled iPhone (iPhone 11 and later) can lead you right there. Apple has also enabled Precision Finding on Apple Watch Series 9 and later and Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later, which is very useful. You can’t use an Apple Watch to get the original AirTag up close, and it’s probably the best addition to the second-generation version.
You can even add the Precision Finding quick access switch on Apple Watch to quickly access AirTag tracking without digging through menus. It’s the most natural way to get your stuff.
In our testing, Accurate Tracking on the Apple Watch worked reliably, tracking the AirTag indoors and even walls and furniture in the way. The interface is similar to the Intuitive Find interface on the iPhone, just scaled down to the size of the Apple Watch. You’ll get a directional arrow and range to help you accurately track the AirTag.
When comparing the original AirTag to the AirTag 2 with iPhone Precision Finding, the AirTag 2 was clearly better. Both AirTags are placed inside the bag, and placed out of sight.
The original AirTag had a hard time with walls and objects, and required us to get close to the backpack to communicate. The AirTag 2 picked up the signal a long way, and kept the signal as we walked towards the bag. It even worked with AirTag 2 on a different floor, and maintained its connection to the main office building.
Apple has also updated the internals of the AirTag 2 to improve sound, and it sounds great. It is much better to be heard, and you will see the difference between the two. The sound is sharp and easy to target, and you’re less likely to blend into the background noise. It makes it easier to find things, but it also improves AirTag 2’s anti-stalking capabilities. It’s very difficult to remove the AirTag and mute its sound, and Apple also made the speaker module more difficult to remove with extra adhesive.
The AirTag 2 still costs $29, and Apple offers a pack of four for $99, so it’s a solid deal, especially with the tracking upgrade. For most people, it’s probably not worth upgrading to AirTag 2 if you already have the original AirTag, but if you’re someone who relies heavily on AirTags on a regular basis, it might be a good idea to pick up a few second-generation versions.
