Apple’s second‑gen AirTag adds UWB and louder speaker
• Key Takeaways
• Apple has released a second‑generation AirTag — its first upgrade in five years. • The new AirTag includes Apple’s newer Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip, a louder built‑in speaker, and improved range. • The hardware changes should improve precision locating and make lost items easier to find.
What’s new in the second‑generation AirTag
Apple’s updated AirTag is the company’s first hardware refresh of the accessory in five years. The headline changes are a newer Ultra Wideband chip, a louder speaker and better range, according to the announcement.
The upgraded UWB chip is the core improvement. Ultra Wideband enables high‑precision spatial awareness and directional locating, so a newer chip typically means faster, more accurate proximity tracking than the previous generation.
Why the changes matter
A louder speaker directly addresses one of the most common user pain points: finding an item hidden under cushions or inside a bag. Greater volume makes audible locating more reliable in noisy environments.
Improved range expands how far the AirTag can be detected directly by nearby devices before relying on the wider Find My network. Combined with a newer UWB chip, that should reduce the need to walk around searching and improve Precision Finding when close.
What users should expect
Existing AirTag workflows — attaching an AirTag to keys, bags or other items and using Apple’s Find My app to locate them — remain the same. The new hardware is focused on incremental but meaningful improvements to accuracy and usability rather than a complete redesign.
Because the update centers on the UWB chip and speaker, users can expect better on‑device locating performance when they are near a lost item. Items that are out of direct range will still rely on Apple’s Find My crowd‑sourced network.
Implications for the ecosystem
A refreshed AirTag signals continued investment in location and UWB technology across Apple’s product line. Better UWB performance in accessories can improve interoperability and set a new baseline for spatial features in the Find My ecosystem.
For accessory makers and third‑party Tile‑style competitors, the upgrade raises expectations for range and precision in small tracking devices.
Bottom line
After five years, Apple’s second‑generation AirTag brings practical, user‑focused upgrades: a newer Ultra Wideband chip for better precision, a louder speaker for easier audible finds, and improved range. These changes are iterative but welcome for anyone who relies on small, everyday item trackers.
