Apple AirTag and AirTag 2 Overview
Apple first introduced the AirTag in April 2021 as a compact tracking accessory designed to help users locate personal belongings such as keys, wallets, bags, and luggage through the Find My network.
In January 2026, Apple released the second-generation AirTag 2, bringing improved tracking performance, better security features, and upgraded hardware while maintaining the same familiar design.
AirTag Pricing
Apple kept pricing unchanged for the second-generation model.
Pricing
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Single AirTag: $29
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Four-pack: $99
AirTags are sold separately from accessories like:
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Key rings
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Loops
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Wallet holders
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Luggage straps
They are available from:
Third-party retailers often offer discounts and bundled accessories.
Design
Both the original AirTag and AirTag 2 share nearly identical designs.
Physical Characteristics
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Circular button-style shape
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Glossy white front
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Polished metal back
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Replaceable CR2032 battery
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Compact and lightweight
Dimensions
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Diameter: 1.26 inches
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Thickness: 0.31 inches
Weight
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Original AirTag: 11 grams
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AirTag 2: 11.8 grams
Small Design Differences
The AirTag 2 includes:
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Capitalized rear text
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Visible IP67 waterproof marking
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Slightly heavier construction
Custom Engraving
Apple allows users to personalize AirTags with:
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Up to four characters
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Emoji combinations
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Initials or symbols
Some emoji combinations and phrases are restricted due to Apple’s content moderation rules.
AirTag 2 Improvements
The second-generation AirTag 2 introduces several hardware upgrades over the original model.
Key Upgrades
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Second-generation Ultra Wideband (U2) chip
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Improved Bluetooth connectivity
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Louder speaker
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Better anti-stalking protection
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Increased Precision Finding range
Precision Finding Improvements
Precision Finding now works from:
- Up to 1.5× farther away than before
This makes locating misplaced items easier and faster.
Find My Integration
AirTags work directly inside the Find My app.
Users can:
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View item locations on a map
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Play sounds to locate nearby items
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Enable Lost Mode
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Receive separation alerts
The Find My network uses hundreds of millions of Apple devices worldwide to help locate lost AirTags anonymously and securely.
Precision Finding
Precision Finding uses:
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Ultra Wideband technology
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Augmented reality
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Sound
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Haptic feedback
to guide users directly to a nearby AirTag.
Compatibility
Works with:
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iPhone 11 and later
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Apple Watch Series 9 and newer
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Apple Watch Ultra 2 and newer (AirTag 2 only)
The original AirTag does not support Precision Finding on Apple Watch.
Lost Mode
If an AirTag is lost:
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Users can enable Lost Mode
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Contact information can be attached
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Nearby Apple devices anonymously relay location updates
Anyone who finds the AirTag can tap it with an NFC-enabled smartphone to access the owner’s contact details.
This works on:
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iPhones
-
Android devices
Separation Alerts
AirTags can notify users when they accidentally leave an item behind.
Examples
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Forgetting keys at a restaurant
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Leaving luggage behind
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Walking away from a backpack
Alerts can be configured inside the Find My app.
Battery and Water Resistance
Battery
Both AirTag generations use:
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Replaceable CR2032 batteries
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Approximately one year of battery life
Battery replacement is simple and user-accessible.
Water Resistance
AirTags have an:
- IP67 water and dust resistance rating
This protects against:
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Rain
-
Splashes
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Brief water immersion
Privacy and Security
Apple designed AirTags with strong privacy protections.
Security Features
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End-to-end encrypted location data
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Rotating Bluetooth identifiers
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Anonymous Find My relay devices
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Anti-tracking notifications
Apple cannot see:
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AirTag locations
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Location history
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User movement data
Anti-Stalking Protections
Apple added multiple safeguards to prevent AirTags from being misused for tracking people.
Safety Features
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Unknown AirTag alerts
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Audible sounds from separated AirTags
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Precision Finding for unknown trackers
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Android tracking detection support
If an unknown AirTag travels with someone over time, their iPhone or Android device will display a warning notification.
Users can then:
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Locate the AirTag
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Disable it
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Remove the battery
AirTag Sharing
With iOS 17 and later, AirTags can be shared with family members through the Find My app.
This allows multiple people to:
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Track shared items
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Receive alerts
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Manage locations
Tracker Detect for Android
Apple released the Tracker Detect app for Android devices.
The app lets Android users:
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Scan for nearby AirTags
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Detect unknown trackers
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Play sounds to locate hidden AirTags
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Disable suspicious trackers
Apple and Google also collaborated on a cross-platform tracking alert standard.
Travel Limitations
Certain AirTag features, including Precision Finding, may not function in some countries due to regional regulations.
Examples include:
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Russia
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Indonesia
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Argentina
Tracking Pets and Children
Apple officially states that AirTags are designed for tracking items, not people or pets.
For child tracking, Apple recommends:
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Apple Watch with Family Setup
NFC and Shortcuts Support
The built-in NFC chip inside AirTags can trigger automations through Apple Shortcuts.
Examples include:
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Smart home actions
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Device automations
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Custom workflows
Final Thoughts
The AirTag remains one of Apple’s most useful accessory products, offering seamless item tracking through the Find My ecosystem. The newer AirTag 2 improves on the original with better range, louder alerts, upgraded wireless hardware, and stronger anti-stalking protections while maintaining the same compact and familiar design.