Apple has announced the release of its new AirTag, an advanced version of the popular tracking device, now featuring an expanded finding range and a louder speaker. The new AirTag, powered by Apple’s Find My network, aims to enhance users’ ability to keep track of their belongings. Since its initial launch in 2021, AirTag has been instrumental in reuniting users with lost items such as luggage, keys, and even musical instruments. The latest iteration retains its price of $29 for a single unit and $99 for a four-pack, with free personalized engraving available.
Enhanced Range and Findability
The new AirTag is equipped with Apple’s second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, also found in the iPhone 17 lineup and the Apple Watch Ultra 3. This chip enhances the Precision Finding feature, allowing users to locate their items from up to 50 percent farther away than before. The upgraded Bluetooth chip further extends the range, and for the first time, users can utilize Precision Finding on the Apple Watch Series 9 or later.
With a redesigned internal structure, the AirTag now emits sound that is 50 percent louder than its predecessor, making it easier to locate items even from a distance. This feature, combined with enhanced Precision Finding capabilities and a new chime, ensures that users can quickly find misplaced items such as keys or wallets.
The Find My Network and Share Item Location
The Find My network, a crowdsourced system leveraging Bluetooth technology, enables users to locate AirTags, Apple devices, and compatible third-party items while maintaining user privacy. If an AirTag is out of range, the network can assist in pinpointing its location.
The new AirTag integrates with the Share Item Location feature, allowing users to temporarily share the location of a misplaced item with trusted third parties. This collaboration includes partnerships with over 50 airlines, which have reported a 26 percent reduction in baggage delays and a 90 percent decrease in unrecoverable luggage incidents, according to SITA.
“Using Share Item Location has reduced baggage delays by 26 percent and reduced incidences of ‘truly lost’ or unrecoverable luggage by 90 percent.”
Industry-Leading Security Features
Apple has designed the new AirTag with privacy and security as top priorities. The device does not store location data on itself, and all communications with the Find My network are protected by end-to-end encryption. This ensures that only the device’s owner can access its location data. Additionally, AirTag includes protections against unwanted tracking, such as cross-platform alerts and frequently changing Bluetooth identifiers.
Environmental Responsibility and Accessory Compatibility
In line with Apple’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the new AirTag is part of the Apple 2030 initiative to achieve carbon neutrality. The device is constructed with 85 percent recycled plastic and 100 percent recycled rare earth elements in its magnets. Its packaging is entirely fiber-based, supporting easy recycling.
The new AirTag maintains compatibility with existing accessories, including the FineWoven Key Ring, which is made from 68 percent recycled content and available in various colors.
Pricing and Availability
The new AirTag is available for order on apple.com and the Apple Store app, with availability at Apple Store locations expected later this week. Customers can opt for a personalized engraving at no additional cost during the checkout process.
The AirTag is priced at $29 for a single unit and $99 for a four-pack. The FineWoven Key Ring is available for $35. The device requires a compatible iPhone with iOS 26 or later, or an iPad with iPadOS 26 or later, and certain features necessitate the activation of Find My in iCloud settings.
As Apple continues to innovate, the new AirTag exemplifies the company’s dedication to enhancing user experience while prioritizing privacy and environmental responsibility. This latest release underscores Apple’s commitment to providing cutting-edge technology that seamlessly integrates into users’ daily lives.
