Apple AirTag 2: A Stealthy Upgrade That Packs a Punch

At first glance, the Apple AirTag 2 looks like it’s been frozen in time. Same size, same weight, same iconic disc design. But don’t let its unchanged appearance fool you—this unassuming little tracker has been quietly supercharged with smarter tech and better performance.

Apple’s philosophy with the AirTag 2 seems to be: if it ain’t broke, don’t redesign it—just make it better where it counts. And that’s exactly what they’ve done.

Range Just Got Real

One of the most noticeable upgrades? Range. Using an iPhone 17 Pro Max, I tested the new AirTag in a two-bedroom apartment with walls in between. The result? A solid 15 meters (49 feet) of reliable detection, with pinpoint accuracy kicking in at around 11 meters (36 feet). That’s a big leap from the original AirTag’s max of about 30 feet before the signal dropped.

If you’ve ever lost your keys in a large house or buried backpack in a crowded venue, this improvement is a game-changer.

Louder Sound, Same Battery Life

Apple also gave the AirTag 2 a slightly louder built-in speaker. It’s not earth-shattering, but in a quiet room or when buried under laundry, you’ll definitely hear it better.

Battery life remains unchanged, which is a good thing—CR2032 coin cell batteries still last about a year, and swapping them out is a breeze. The device keeps its IP67 water and dust resistance too, so it can handle a dunk in the sink or a dusty backpack without breaking a sweat.

Heads Up, Old iPhone Owners

Here’s the catch: the AirTag 2 requires iOS 26 or later for full functionality. That means if you’re still rocking an iPhone older than the iPhone 15, you’re out of luck. Even worse, Improved Precision Finding only works on iPhone 16 models and newer—so iPhone 16e owners, you’re excluded too.

If your phone’s too old, stick with the original AirTag, which works with devices running iOS 14.5 and up.

Apple Watch Gets in on the Action

A surprise addition: Precision Finding now works with the Apple Watch—but only on Series 9 or later, or Ultra 2 with watchOS 26.2.1. The setup is clunky (seriously, Apple, streamline this), but once it’s live, it’s handy in a pinch. Just don’t expect iPhone-level precision—it’s more of a “warmer/colder” guide than a laser-focused pointer.

And yes, this feature is exclusive to the AirTag 2. The OG AirTag won’t get this Watch love.

The Bottom Line: Useful, But Pricey

The AirTag 2 is a low-key powerhouse. It does exactly what it promises—help you find your stuff—and now it does it better. But let’s talk turkey: at $29 a pop, it’s expensive for what it is. Thankfully, Apple offers a 4-pack for $99, which softens the blow.

If you’re in the Apple ecosystem and want peace of mind when your keys, bag, or bike goes missing, the AirTag 2 is worth it. Just buy the 4-pack and don’t dwell on the price tag too much.

Because sometimes, losing your stuff is way more expensive than replacing it with a smarter tracker.

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