News (EN)

Apple’s new AirTag 2 arrives with more powerful sound and increased search range by up to 50%

Apple
Photo: Apple - 1000 Words/shutterstock.com

Apple officially announced the second generation of its popular tracking device, the AirTag 2. The launch, which took place on January 26, 2026, introduces significant technical improvements, focused on improving the accuracy and ease of locating lost objects, while maintaining the discreet and functional design that established the first version.

Among the most anticipated new features, the device arrives equipped with a second generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip, the same one used in the iPhone 17 line.

For the Brazilian market, prices have already been confirmed and follow the company’s strategy. The individual AirTag 2 unit will be sold for R$369, while the package with four devices will be available for R$1,249, representing savings in unit cost for those who need to monitor multiple items.

Technological advances with the new UWB chip

The heart of the AirTag 2 is its new second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, which represents a considerable technological leap over the previous model. The Essa update is primarily responsible for expanding the range of the Busca Precisa by 50%, allowing users to accurately locate their belongings in larger areas, such as parking lots or multi-story residences. The functionality continues to combine visual, sound and tactile feedback, guiding the user with directional arrows and distance information directly on the iPhone screen.

Improved integration with the Apple ecosystem ensures faster and more stable communication between the tracker and branded devices. The new chip not only improves on the Busca Precisa, but also optimizes power consumption, ensuring that the CR2032 battery, which remains user replaceable, maintains a long useful life. Essa energy efficiency, combined with extended range, positions AirTag 2 as a robust and reliable tracking tool for everyday use, from keys and wallets to work equipment and luggage.

[[MVG_PROTECTED_BLOCK_0]

Audio Experience and Integration with Apple Watch

In response to a frequent request from users, Apple has completely redesigned the AirTag 2’s internal speaker, making it significantly more powerful. The new component is capable of emitting audible sound alerts at a distance up to two times greater than that of the previous generation. Essa improvement is crucial for scenarios where visual localization is difficult, such as finding keys that have fallen between the sofa cushions or a backpack in a noisy room. The clearer, louder sound facilitates auditory triangulation, complementing the visual cues provided by the Buscar app. One of the most practical innovations is the ability to wear the Busca Precisa directly on the wrist, via the Apple Watch Series 9, Ultra 2 or later models. Agora, you no longer need to hold your iPhone to find a lost item; The watch displays distance and direction, offering a more discreet and convenient searching experience, ideal for those on the move or with their hands full. Essa integration deepens the synergy between devices in the Apple ecosystem, making the localization process more fluid and intuitive.

Design, durability and new accessories

The AirTag 2’s design stays true to its predecessor’s compact, circular shape. The decision to maintain the familiar aesthetic guarantees compatibility with the wide range of existing accessories, while preserving the product’s versatility to be attached to different types of objects.

Durability continues to be a strong point, with IP67 certification maintained, which ensures resistance against dust and immersion in water for up to 30 minutes at a depth of one meter. Isso makes the device safe for use on keychains, backpacks or pet collars, which may be exposed to rain and other elements.

Along with the tracker, Apple launched a new line of keychains made with the sustainable material FineWoven, replacing leather options. Disponíveis in colors such as fox orange, midnight purple and black, the accessories are sold separately for R$426 at Brasil.

The strength of the Buscar network and user privacy

The effectiveness of AirTag 2 fundamentally depends on the Buscar (Find My) network, a global, anonymous infrastructure made up of hundreds of millions of active Apple devices around the world. Quando an item is lost and is out of reach Bluetooth of the owner, it can be detected by any iPhone, iPad or Mac that passes nearby.

This detection occurs passively and securely, sending the AirTag’s location to the item’s owner in an end-to-end encrypted manner. Privacy is a central pillar of the system: neither Apple nor third parties can access location data, and no information is stored on the AirTag itself.

To prevent unwanted tracking, the system sends alert notifications if an unknown AirTag is moving with a person over time. Essa security measure, continuously improved, seeks to balance the usefulness of object tracking with the protection of individual privacy.

The continuous expansion of the Buscar network increases its coverage and efficiency, making it increasingly reliable, even in less populated areas, which reinforces AirTag’s main difference compared to other trackers on the market.

Compatibility and system requirements

To realize the full potential of AirTag 2, including the enhanced Busca Precisa and integration with the Apple Watch, user devices must be updated to the latest versions of the Apple operating systems. Full functionality of the tracker requires an iPhone or iPad running at least iOS 26 or iPadOS 26, respectively.

Users with older iPhone models or those without Ultra Wideband technology will still be able to use basic location functionality via Bluetooth and the Buscar network, but will not have access to the arrow and distance guided search experience. Full compatibility with the latest devices guarantees the best performance and precision that new hardware can offer.

Evolution compared to the first generation

AirTag 2 represents an evolution focused on refining the user experience. Enquanto the original 2021 model set a new standard for personal trackers, the second generation directly addresses key areas that needed improvement. The increased range and greater sound power resolve the most common limitations faced by users in large or noisy environments. At the same time, the Apple has retained praised features such as the easily replaceable CR2032 battery, which combats planned obsolescence and allows the device to remain functional for several years with simple maintenance. Essa approach to improving critical points without changing the essence of the product demonstrates a maturing of the technology, consolidating AirTag’s position as a leader in its market segment.

Share

More news in News (EN)

See more