Apple has officially unveiled a significant upgrade to its popular AirTag item tracker, introducing a suite of enhanced features that promise to make locating lost belongings more efficient than ever before. The new-generation device, which builds upon the success of the original 2021 model, focuses on improved performance, expanded compatibility, and reinforced privacy protections.
Enhanced Precision and Extended Range
The cornerstone of this update is a newly upgraded Ultra Wideband chip, which Apple states delivers a substantially improved operational range. This technological advancement boosts the Precision Finding capability by up to 50%, allowing users to pinpoint misplaced items from much greater distances. For the first time, this precise location tracking functionality is also supported on select models of the Apple Watch, enabling direct item searches from the wrist without needing an iPhone in hand.
Louder Audio for Easier Recovery
Complementing the extended range is a redesigned internal speaker system. Apple engineers have increased the maximum audio output, making the new AirTag capable of emitting sounds that are 50% louder than its predecessor. This enhancement is particularly useful when a tagged item, such as a set of keys or a remote control, has fallen into hard-to-reach places like behind furniture or under piles of clutter.
Privacy and Network Improvements
Apple continues to emphasise user privacy within its Find My ecosystem. The redesigned system ensures that no location history is stored on the AirTag device itself. All communications between the tag and the vast, anonymous Find My network—which leverages nearby Apple devices to relay location data—are protected with end-to-end encryption. This guarantees that only the item's owner can access its real-time location information.
New Sharing and Partnership Features
The updated tracker integrates seamlessly with the Share Item Location feature in iOS. This allows users to securely and temporarily share an item's location with trusted third parties. A prime application is in travel, where users can share luggage location data with airlines to aid in recovery. Apple has already established partnerships with more than 50 airlines worldwide to support this functionality.
Availability and Surprising Pricing
The new AirTag is available for immediate order through the official Apple website and the Apple Store app, with physical availability in retail stores expected later this week. In a move that may pleasantly surprise consumers, Apple has actually reduced the entry price point. A single AirTag now starts at £29, with a pack of four available for £99. This represents a decrease from the original launch price of £35 for a single unit, making the enhanced tracker more accessible.
With its combination of greater range, louder audio, robust privacy, and a lower cost, the upgraded AirTag solidifies its position as an essential tool for anyone prone to misplacing everyday items like keys, bags, or luggage.
