In a surprise declaration, Apple has just unveiled the next-generation of its airtag.
For those unfamiliar, the apple AirTag is a Bluetooth tracker that helps users keep track of their possessions and locate them if lost or misplaced. For example, you can add an AirTag too your keys and, via the Find My app on iPhone, see exactly where you last left them.
As Apple has unveiled its revamped airtag, we’re keen to see what’s really new with the Bluetooth tracker – especially as they don’t appear to look very different from one another.
Keep reading to see how the latest AirTag compares to the 2021 iteration. Or else, make sure you visit our list of the best Bluetooth trackers.
Price and Availability
At the time of writing, the airtag (2nd Generation) can be ordered online now, and will be available from Apple Store locations by the end of the week (February 1st). At launch, the AirTag (2nd Gen) will be available as either a one- or four-pack at £29/$29 and £99/$99 respectively.
Naturally as it’s been succeeded by the second generation, the original AirTag is no longer available to buy directly from Apple. However, it is still available to buy on third-party retailers like Amazon starting from around £28 for one, though we would expect this price to drop.
airtag 2 is powered by Apple’s second-gen Ultra Wideband chip
One of the key differences between the AirTag 2 and original AirTag is that the former is powered by Apple’s second-generation ultra Wideband (UWB) chip, which is also found in the iPhone 17 series, iPhone Air, Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch Series 11, and promises to ensure the AirTag is “easier to locate than ever before”.
The original
airtag 2 Integrates with Share Item Location
The second generation Apple AirTag builds upon the original’s functionality by seamlessly integrating with Apple’s Share Item Location feature, allowing users to securely share the location of tagged items with others.
Share Item Location, first introduced with iOS 18.2 released on December 11, 2023, enables users to grant access to an AirTag’s location to specific individuals without revealing the item’s owner or other shared users. this feature enhances the AirTag’s utility for shared possessions like luggage or rental equipment.
The integration allows for secure and controlled sharing of item locations, addressing privacy concerns while facilitating collaborative tracking. Users can specify the duration of access granted to others, and the location sharing is end-to-end encrypted.
