Apple made official, this Monday (26), the launch of the second generation of AirTag, its personal objects tracking device. The new model hits the market equipped with the second generation Ultra Wideband chip, the same processor used in the iPhone 17 line, promising greater efficiency in locating lost items. The technical upgrade allows the Busca Precisa functionality to operate at up to 50% greater distances compared to the original version released in 2021.
In addition to the increase in detection range, the device received significant improvements to its audio system. The internal speaker has been redesigned to emit 50% more powerful sounds, making alerts audible from twice as far away as the previous model. The change aims to make it easier to locate objects in noisy environments or when the item is muffled, such as keys dropped between sofa cushions.
The external design remains unchanged, maintaining compatibility with all keychains and accessories already on the market. Quanto in terms of values, the company maintained its global pricing strategy: a single unit costs US$29 and a package with four units costs US$99. In the Brazilian market, suggested prices are around R$370 for one unit and R$1,200 for the kit, varying depending on the reseller.
Advanced ecosystem integration
The main internal innovation of the new tracker is the deep integration with the brand’s latest hardware. Pela for the first time, the function of Busca Precisa can be performed directly by the Apple Watch, and is compatible with the Series 9, Isso allows the user to receive visual, tactile and audible guidance directly on their wrist, without having to take their smartphone out of their pocket.
The Bluetooth component has also been updated to ensure stable connections over extended radiuses. Mesmo When the Ultra Wideband technology is not active, the device can communicate its position to the Buscar network with greater agility.
To use all the new features, paired devices, such as iPhones and iPads, must be updated to iOS 26 or higher. Configuration continues to be carried out in a simplified manner, simply bringing the tracker closer to the device to start pairing.
Features specific to air travel
One of the biggest software innovations linked to the launch is the partnership with the aviation sector. The “Share Localização of Item” feature allows users to generate a secure, temporary link to show the position of their bags directly to airlines. Apple confirmed agreements with more than 50 companies in the sector to accept this type of official tracking.
Preliminary data from SITA, a specialist in air transport technology, indicates that the use of this technology can reduce delays in returning baggage by 26%. Nos tests carried out, the cases of permanent loss of bags showed a significant drop of 90% among the companies that adopted the system.
Data sharing is protected and has limited validity. The location link automatically expires once the object is retrieved by the owner or after a period of seven days, ensuring user privacy.
Sustainability and privacy
Following the company’s environmental goals for 2030, the production of the new AirTag uses recycled materials on a large scale. The housing is made from 85% reused plastic, while the internal magnets are made from 100% recycled rare earths. The circuit boards also use recycled gold, and the packaging has been redesigned to eliminate single-use plastics.
In terms of digital security, the device maintains end-to-end encryption when communicating with the Buscar network. Apple reinforces that it does not store location histories on the device and that not even the company has access to the identity of the devices that help with anonymous tracking.
- Automatic alerts against unwanted tracking on compatible smartphones;
- Rotatable Bluetooth identifiers to prevent third-party monitoring;
- Lack of local storage of geographic data in the accessory;
- Full user control to revoke sharing access at any time.