AirTag 2: Is it Worth the Upgrade?

After over four years, Apple finally introduced the next generation of AirTag. Familiar on the outside but significantly upgraded within, AirTag 2 makes tracking your essentials easier than ever before.

With up to a 50% louder speaker and a Precision Finding range that reaches up to 1.5x farther than before, AirTag 2 improves how quickly and accurately you can locate misplaced items. Clip one to your keys, drop another into your travel bag, and track everything directly in the Find My app.

Here’s a closer look at what’s new and whether it’s worth upgrading.

At a glance, AirTag 2 looks identical to the original. The real evolution is happening under the hood. Powered by Apple’s expansive Find My network, AirTag 2 can be located almost anywhere there are nearby Apple devices. And for the first time, tracking your AirTag is not limited to just your iPhone or iPad. AirTag 2 also supports Precision Finding on Apple Watch, giving you another way to locate your gear when your phone isn’t on you.

A few compatibility notes to keep in mind:

• Extended Precision Finding requires an iPhone 15 or newer.
• Precision Finding requires an iPhone 11 or newer.
• Apple Watch Precision Finding requires Apple Watch Series 9 or newer, or Apple Watch Ultra 2 or 3.

AirTag 2 is built around Apple’s second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, the same technology found in the latest iPhones and Apple Watches. This chip combines haptic feedback, on-screen visuals, and audible cues to guide you directly to your item.

As you move closer, AirTag 2 seamlessly switches to Precision Finding via Bluetooth. This displays directional arrows and exact distance measurements to pinpoint your item’s location. An upgraded Bluetooth chip also improves close-range accuracy, allowing you to locate items from up to 50% farther away than before.

AirTag 2 introduces a new sharing feature that makes it easier to keep track of items used by more than one person. You can now share an AirTag with up to five people, allowing friends or family members to see its location in the Find My app. This is especially useful for shared essentials like car keys. Everyone with access can help locate the item when it goes missing, without needing to pass a phone around. Location sharing can be managed at any time, so you stay in control of who can view your AirTag’s location.

Apple has also improved the AirTag 2 speaker. It now emits tones that are up to 50% louder, making it easier to hear in noisy environments or when tucked inside a backpack or suitcase. A newly tuned chime improves clarity and helps distinguish the AirTag sound more easily.

The speaker can be activated manually when you ping your AirTag nearby. It can also trigger automatically when motion is detected while the AirTag is separated from its paired device, adding an extra layer of reassurance.

Battery life remains consistent with the original AirTag at approximately one year, and the battery is still user-replaceable.

Choosing between AirTags comes down to how you use Precision Finding.

Both AirTag models rely on the same Find My network for long-range tracking, share similar battery life, and work with the same accessories. For everyday use such as keys, backpacks, or items typically misplaced nearby, the original AirTag remains a solid and reliable option.

AirTag 2 shines for users who frequently depend on Precision Finding. The extended Ultra Wideband range makes it easier to locate items in larger spaces, while the louder speaker helps cut through noise. Apple Watch Precision Finding is also a meaningful upgrade for anyone who prefers to travel light or often leaves their iPhone behind.

Our take: for current AirTag owners, there is no urgent need to upgrade; for first-time buyers, AirTag 2 offers the most complete feature set and greater flexibility going forward.

Here at Nomad, we have a couple of options when it comes to fastening your AirTag to your belongings. Our options make it easy to secure your AirTag and swap batteries without hassle, so the choice comes down to feel and use case.

AirTag 2 offers meaningful upgrades that improve how you find, share, and manage your everyday essentials. With better accuracy, louder alerts, and support for shared tracking, it's a simple but powerful tool for staying organized.

Complete the setup with a Nomad AirTag accessory. From the durable protection of Rugged Keychain to the premium feel of Leather Loop, our accessories are designed to keep your AirTag secure and ready for daily use.