Apple Revamps AirTag with Enhanced Range, Precision Finding, and Airline Partnerships
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Apple today announced the next generation of its popular AirTag item tracker, boasting a significantly expanded connectivity range, improved precision locating capabilities, and a new integration with over 50 airlines to streamline lost luggage recovery. The updated AirTag, available for order starting today, builds upon the success of the original launched in 2021, offering users a more reliable and versatile solution for keeping track of their belongings.
Since its debut, the AirTag has become a go-to for locating misplaced items, with users sharing stories of reuniting with everything from luggage and keys to bicycles and even vital medical supplies. “We’ve heard incredible stories of how AirTag has helped people recover their possessions,” a company release stated, highlighting the device’s impact on everyday life.
Extended Range and Precision Finding
Powering the new AirTag is Apple’s second-generation Ultra Wideband chip – the same technology found in the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple Watch Series 11. This upgrade allows for Precision Finding to work from up to 50 percent farther away than the previous generation, guiding users to their lost items with haptic, visual, and audio feedback. An upgraded Bluetooth chip further expands the range at which items can be located.
For the first time, Apple Watch owners can leverage Precision Finding directly from their wrist, compatible with Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2, and later models. The redesigned AirTag also features a speaker that is 50 percent louder than its predecessor, enabling users to hear its chime from twice the distance. This combination of enhanced technology makes locating hidden items, like keys tucked between couch cushions, significantly easier.
Apple is also expanding the functionality of its Find My network through deeper integration with the travel industry. The new AirTag seamlessly integrates with Share Item Location, an iOS feature that allows users to temporarily and securely share the location of a misplaced item with trusted third parties.
Notably, Apple has forged partnerships with more than 50 airlines, enabling travelers to share their AirTag’s location with airline customer service teams to expedite lost luggage recovery. According to data from SITA, a leading IT provider for airlines, this integration has already demonstrated significant results, reducing baggage delays by 26 percent and instances of “truly lost” luggage by 90 percent. Access to shared location data is restricted to authorized personnel via secure Apple Account or partner authentication and automatically expires after seven days.
Privacy and Security Remain Paramount
Apple emphasized its commitment to user privacy and security with the new AirTag. The device does not store location data or history on the device itself, and all communication with the Find My network is end-to-end encrypted. “No one, including Apple, knows the identity or location of any device that helped find it,” the company stated.
Designed exclusively for tracking objects, not people or pets, the AirTag incorporates industry-leading protections against unwanted tracking, including cross-platform alerts and frequently changing Bluetooth identifiers.
Sustainability and Compatibility
Apple continues its commitment to environmental responsibility with the new AirTag. The enclosure is constructed with 85 percent recycled plastic, the magnets utilize 100 percent recycled rare earth elements, and the printed circuit boards feature 100 percent recycled gold plating. The packaging is also 100 percent fiber-based and recyclable.
The new AirTag maintains the same form factor as the original, ensuring compatibility with existing AirTag accessories, including the FineWoven Key Ring, available in five colors and made from 68 percent recycled content.
Pricing and Availability
The new AirTag is available for order on apple.com and through the Apple Store app starting today, with availability at Apple Store locations later this week. It will also be available at Apple Authorized Resellers. Pricing remains consistent with the previous generation, at $29 for a single AirTag and $99 for a four-pack, with free personalized engraving available. The Apple-designed AirTag FineWoven Key Ring is available for $35.
The new AirTag requires a compatible iPhone with iOS 26 or later, or iPad with iPadOS 26 or later, and an Apple Account with Find My enabled. Precision Finding on Apple Watch requires Apple Watch Series 9 or later, or Apple Watch Ultra 2 or later, running watchOS 26.2.1.
