Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Apple made another splash in early 2026 with the launch of the second-generation AirTag, widely referred to as "AirTag 2."
The new AirTag officially launched on January 26, 2026, and was available for order the same day.
Advertisement
Shipping began later that week, allowing Apple fans to experience the latest innovation immediately.
The product is available for purchase through Apple's official website, the Apple Store app, as well as at Apple stores and authorized resellers.
With the same price as the previous generation, the new AirTag offers greater value to consumers.
A single AirTag is priced at $29 (US), while a four-pack is available for $99 (US).
Apple AirTag Tracking Performance Improvements
The second-generation AirTag is powered by a second-generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip, the same technology used in the iPhone 17 lineup, iPhone Air, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple Watch Series 11.
This enhancement allows the Precision Finding feature to work up to 50% farther than before.
Precision Finding guides users to lost items with precise haptic, visual, and audio feedback.
Furthermore, the new AirTag is equipped with a 50% louder speaker, allowing users to hear the device from up to twice as far away.
The upgraded Bluetooth chip also extends the range over which items can be found, ensuring more stable connectivity.
For the first time, users with an Apple Watch Series 9 or later, or an Apple Watch Ultra 2 or later, can use Precision Finding directly from their wrist.
This feature requires watchOS 26.2.1 for optimal functionality.
Location Sharing and Accessory Compatibility
Item Location Sharing feature allows users to temporarily and securely share the location of lost items with third parties, such as airlines, to help recover delayed or lost baggage.
Apple has partnered directly with over 50 airlines to facilitate the receipt of private and secure Item Location Sharing links.
According to data from SITA, the use of this feature has reduced baggage delays by 26% and reduced incidents of "completely lost" baggage by up to 90%.
Despite numerous internal improvements, the new AirTag retains the same form factor as the original version.
This means all existing AirTag accessories, such as the AirTag FineWoven Key Ring, available in five colors, remain compatible.
Technical Specifications
The second-generation AirTag measures 1.26 inches (31.9 mm) in diameter and 0.31 inches (8.0 mm) in height, weighing 0.42 ounces (11.8 grams), slightly heavier than the first-generation's 11 grams.
It has an IP67 water and dust resistance rating, capable of surviving submersion at a maximum depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes.
Connectivity includes Bluetooth for short-range use, a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip for expanded Precision Finding, and NFC for Lost Mode.
Powered by a user-replaceable CR2032 coin cell battery, Apple claims the AirTag can last "over a year" before needing replacement.
For compatibility, the AirTag requires an Apple Account, an iPhone running iOS 26.0 (or 26.2.1) or later, or an iPad running iPadOS 26.0 (or 26.2.1) or later.
Precision Finding on Apple Watch requires a Series 9 or Ultra 2 model with watchOS 26.2.1.
AirTag User Security and Privacy
Security and privacy remain Apple's top priority in the design of AirTag.
All communications with the Find My network are protected by end-to-end encryption, ensuring the confidentiality of user information.
Only the device owner can access its location data, and no other party, including Apple, can learn the identity or location of the device that helps locate it.
Apple explicitly states that AirTag is designed specifically for tracking objects, not people or pets.
Therefore, AirTag includes safeguards against unwanted tracking, such as cross-platform alerts and frequently changing unique Bluetooth identifiers.