Apple’s AirTag has received a substantial upgrade, offering increased range, a louder speaker, and a refined alert system to help you keep track of your belongings more effectively. The second-generation trackers maintain the same retail price as their predecessors, while older models are now seeing significant discounts.
Why This Matters: Lost or misplaced items are a common frustration, particularly when traveling. AirTags address this issue directly by providing a reliable way to locate keys, luggage, and other valuables. Their integration with Apple’s Find My network means that millions of iPhones can anonymously assist in locating your tags, even if they’re far from your own devices.
What Are AirTags and How Do They Work?
AirTags are small, coin-sized tracking devices that broadcast their location via Bluetooth. Each tag is powered by a standard CR2032 coin cell battery, offering roughly a year of use. Once paired with an iPhone or iPad, they operate discreetly in the background, ready to be located when needed.
Key Features:
- Bluetooth Tracking: Securely transmits location data via Bluetooth.
- Compact Design: Roughly the size of a U.S. quarter, making them easy to attach or conceal.
- Long Battery Life: Operates for approximately one year on a single CR2032 battery.
New Improvements in the Second Generation
The latest AirTags retain the same physical design as the first generation but feature critical internal upgrades:
- Extended Range: A second-generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip extends detection range by 50%.
- Apple Watch Compatibility: Precision Tracking now works with Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2.
- Increased Bluetooth Range: Better connectivity improves reliability when locating tags nearby.
- Louder Speaker: The speaker is 50% louder, making it easier to find AirTags when activated.
- Distinctive Chirp: A new chime is designed to be more audible in noisy environments.
Identifying AirTag Generations
Visually, the first and second-generation AirTags are almost identical. The only physical difference is the text on the metal back; the second generation uses all caps for its markings (“Find My,” “NFC,” “IP67”), while the first generation includes “Designed by Apple in California” and “Assembled in China.”
Pricing and Availability
Single AirTags retail for $29 directly from Apple and around $24 at most electronics retailers. Buying a four-pack for $99 is more economical. Discounts are frequently available, especially during sales events like Black Friday and Prime Day, with first-generation models currently priced as low as $70. Apple also offers free engraving for personalization.
Setting Up and Using AirTags
Activation is simple: remove the plastic tab to enable the AirTag, then pair it with your iPhone or iPad. Choose a descriptive name (e.g., “Handbag,” “Luggage”) and an emoji for easy identification within the Find My app.
Locating AirTags:
- Play Sound: Use the Find My app to trigger an audible chirp.
- Precision Tracking: With an iPhone 11 or later, utilize the UWB chip for precise directional guidance.
- Lost Mode: Enable “Notify When Left Behind” to receive alerts if you accidentally leave items behind.
How AirTags Leverage the Find My Network
The true power of AirTags lies in Apple’s Find My network. The device emits a Bluetooth signal that is anonymously picked up by millions of nearby Apple devices. These devices securely relay location data to Apple servers, allowing you to track your AirTag even if it’s far from your own devices.
Privacy Safeguards:
Apple has implemented measures to prevent unwanted tracking. If an unknown AirTag travels with you for an extended period, your iPhone will notify you. You can then identify the tag and disable it if necessary.
Sharing and Battery Replacement
AirTags can now be shared with up to five trusted individuals, allowing multiple people to track the same item. Battery replacement is straightforward: twist the back counter-clockwise, remove the old CR2032 battery, insert a new one (positive side up), reassemble, and test to ensure it’s working.
Conclusion:
Apple’s AirTag 2nd Gen offers substantial improvements in range, audibility, and precision tracking. By leveraging the vast Find My network, these devices provide a practical solution for keeping track of your belongings, reducing the anxiety of lost items, and enhancing peace of mind.
