Apple AirTag 2 launched with a longer tracking range and airline support

Apple has released AirTag 2 with a wider tracking range, sound alerts, and location sharing while keeping pricing and design unchanged globally.

Apple has launched the second-generation AirTag, introducing several changes focused on improving how users locate personal items. The new AirTag replaces the earlier model, featuring key internal component upgrades while maintaining the same design and price.

Apple AirTag 2 launched with improved tracking range, louder alerts, and expanded location sharing support. (Unsplash)

By MD Ijaj Khan

Ijaj Khan is a technology journalist and Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times, with over three years of experience covering the consumer technology industry. His work spans smartphones, laptops, wearables, gaming, appliances and AI - from hands-on reviews, comparison and buying guides to breaking news and in-depth features that help readers cut through the noise and make informed decisions. Before joining HT Tech, he worked with Jagran New Media, where he sharpened his instincts for fast-paced digital reporting. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in English Journalism and Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi. Whether he's testing the latest flagship smartphone, tracking a major AI announcement, or putting a gaming laptop through its paces, Ijaj approaches every story with the same goal - making technology feel relevant and easy to understand for everyday users, not just enthusiasts. When he's not in front of a screen for work, he's usually travelling to a new city, hunting for great food, or keeping tabs on what's next in tech before everyone else catches on.

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Apple AirTag 2: Specifications and Features

The AirTag 2 is powered by Apple’s second-generation Ultra Wideband chip. Apple also features this chip in the iPhone 17 series, Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch Series 11. With this update, Precision Finding now works over a longer distance than before. Users can track items from farther away through on-screen directions, sound cues and vibration feedback. Apple says this makes the process of finding misplaced belongings more direct and faster.

Apple has also added a new Bluetooth chip to the AirTag. This change increases the range at which the tracker can connect with nearby Apple devices. In addition, Apple has expanded Precision Finding support to newer Apple Watch models. Users with Apple Watch Series 9, Ultra 2 or later can now search for lost items directly from the watch, without using an iPhone.

The company has upgraded the built-in speaker as well. Apple says the speaker now produces sound at a higher volume than the earlier version. This aims to help users hear alerts when the AirTag is covered, placed inside bags, or stuck under objects.

Beyond hardware updates, Apple has expanded the Share Item Location feature. This allows users to share an AirTag’s location with trusted contacts or third parties for a limited time. Apple has included airline staff in this program to help recover misplaced luggage.

According to the company, over 50 airlines now support this feature. Data shared by SITA suggests airlines using location sharing have seen fewer baggage delays and fewer cases of lost luggage that cannot be returned.

According to Apple, the new AirTag adheres to its privacy standards. The tracker uses encryption, rotating Bluetooth identifiers and alerts across platforms to prevent misuse. Apple states that it cannot view a user’s location data.

From a materials standpoint, Apple says the AirTag uses recycled plastic and recycled rare earth elements. The tracker remains compatible with existing AirTag accessories.

Apple AirTag 2: Price and Availability in India

Apple has kept the pricing unchanged. A single AirTag costs Rs. 3,790, while a four-pack costs Rs. 12,900. Buyers can choose free engraving when ordering online. Accessories such as the FineWoven Key Ring are sold separately for Rs. 3,900. The new AirTag requires an iPhone running iOS 26 or later, or an iPad with iPadOS 26, with the Find My feature enabled.