Apple Updates AirTag with Enhanced Tracking Capabilities, Now Available for Pre-Order in Spain
Apple is bolstering its “Find My” ecosystem with a second-generation AirTag, focusing on internal improvements to its tracking technology rather than a redesign. The updated accessory, now available for pre-order in Spain, promises more reliable and extended-range object location, building on the success of the original AirTag launched in 2021.
The Evolution of Everyday Object Tracking
As portable devices – from headphones to increasingly lightweight smartphones like the recently launched iPhone Air – become ubiquitous, Apple is doubling down on its commitment to helping users keep track of their belongings. The original AirTag quickly gained popularity for its practical application in locating frequently lost items, particularly during travel and commutes. This success has spurred competitors to enter the market, establishing a dedicated category within the broader tech accessories landscape.
What’s New in the Second Generation AirTag
The most significant upgrade lies within the integration of a second-generation ultra-wideband (UWB) chip. This component dramatically improves the reliability of the Precision Search function, providing visual, audible, and haptic guidance to locate items, even from greater distances. According to Apple, the range is improved by approximately 50% compared to the previous model, simplifying the process of finding objects within homes or cluttered spaces.
The Bluetooth range has also been extended, allowing users to detect the AirTag from further away without a direct line of sight. A notable addition is the ability to locate the AirTag directly from the wrist using an Apple Watch Series 9, Ultra 2, or later – a feature designed for those who don’t always carry their iPhone.
Furthermore, the new AirTag boasts a 50% more powerful speaker, aiding in locating the device when hidden within a backpack or clothing. The sound tone has been refined to be more easily distinguishable from iPhone notifications, even in noisy environments.
Leveraging the Power of the Find My Network
The AirTag continues to rely on the Find My network, a collaborative network comprised of millions of Apple devices acting as Bluetooth nodes to anonymously detect the approximate location of lost items. This system prioritizes user privacy, ensuring personal information remains protected and neither the owner nor Apple can identify participating devices.
Apple has consistently emphasized that the AirTag is intended for locating objects, not people. The device incorporates safeguards against unwanted tracking, including cross-platform alerts and frequently rotating Bluetooth identifiers to prevent persistent monitoring. Location data is end-to-end encrypted, and no tracking history is stored.
Recent software updates have introduced the Share Item Location feature, specifically designed for scenarios like delayed luggage. The company reports that over 50 airlines are collaborating with this system, resulting in a 26% reduction in luggage delays and a 90% decrease in unrecoverable luggage cases, based on data from SITA, a leading provider of IT solutions for the airline sector.
Sustainability and Compatibility
The new AirTag maintains the original’s size and shape, allowing users to reuse existing accessories like keychains and luggage holders. Apple has also prioritized sustainability, utilizing 85% recycled plastic in the shell, recycled rare earths in the magnets, and recycled gold on the circuit boards.
Pricing and Availability
The second-generation AirTag is available for pre-order now, maintaining the same price point as its predecessor: €35 per unit and €119 for a pack of four, with free engraving available online. Users will require an iPhone running iOS 26 or later, or an iPad with iPadOS 26 or higher, to utilize the device.
