Apple has officially announced the launch of the second generation of its popular object tracker, the AirTag. Apresentado on January 26, 2026, the device brings significant hardware improvements, focused on making locating personal items, such as keys and wallets, an even faster and more intuitive task. The main new features include an updated Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip and a high-power internal speaker.
The new model promises to improve the user experience by expanding the range of the Busca Precisa functionality by up to 50%, allowing objects to be found with greater accuracy even at greater distances. Além In addition, the sound emitted by the tracker is now audible at up to twice the distance, making it easier to locate in noisy environments or when the item is hidden.
Maintaining the compact design and compatibility with existing accessories, the device is now available for purchase in several countries, including Brasil. The company maintained the same price range as the previous generation, with the individual unit being sold for US$ 29 and the package with four units for US$ 99 in the Estados Unidos.
Technological advances and improved integration
The heart of the new AirTag is the second generation Ultra Wideband chip, the same component present in the iPhone 17 line. Essa advanced technology is responsible for providing much more accurate spatial perception, allowing the Busca Precisa function to guide the user with directional arrows, haptic feedback and sound alerts with a minimum margin of error. Upgrading this chip not only increases the operating distance, but also improves connection reliability in environments with many obstacles.
In addition to UWB, the Bluetooth component has also been updated, resulting in a considerably greater passive detection range. Isso means that, even before activating Busca Precisa, the iPhone can identify the presence of the AirTag at a greater distance, speeding up the start of the fine tracking process. Essa improvement is crucial for locating items in large areas, such as parking lots or parks.
One of the most awaited new features is the native integration of Busca Precisa with Apple Watch. Pela For the first time, users of models Apple Watch Series 9 or later and Apple Watch Ultra 2 or later can locate their items directly from their wrist, with the same precision and visual interface offered by the iPhone. Essa functionality adds a layer of convenience by eliminating the need to reach for your smartphone to find a lost object nearby.
Redesigned sound experience for easier searching
Apple carried out an internal redesign of the AirTag to accommodate a 50% more powerful speaker. Essa change directly impacts daily usability, as the sound emitted by the device is now significantly louder and clearer. In practical tests, the sound signal can be heard at a distance of up to twice as far compared to the 2021 model, resolving one of the main complaints of first generation users.
The new audible alert, or “chime”, has been carefully designed to stand out in home or office environments. The improvement is particularly useful in common situations, such as finding keys that fell between the sofa cushions or a wallet inside a full purse. The extra volume reduces search time and frustration associated with losing small objects.
The strength of the Buscar network and global collaboration
The new AirTag continues to benefit from the vast Buscar (Find My) network, a global, anonymous infrastructure made up of hundreds of millions of active Apple devices. Quando an item is lost outside the direct reach of the owner’s Bluetooth, the network comes into play. Qualquer iPhone, iPad or Mac that passes near the lost AirTag can anonymously detect its signal and relay its approximate location to the owner, all without compromising the privacy of any of the parties involved.
Since its launch, the network has been instrumental in the recovery of countless valuable items. Histórias successes include recovering musical instruments just before a performance, locating luggage containing essential medicines at airports, and finding lost bicycles and backpacks in public places. The effectiveness of the system lies in its massive scale and the encryption that protects data from end to end.
Secure sharing and strategic partnerships
An expanded functionality in the second generation is the secure sharing of an item’s location. Usuários can grant temporary access to an AirTag’s position to trusted contacts or, innovatively, to partner entities such as airlines. Apple has established partnerships with more than 50 companies in the airline sector to speed up the recovery of lost luggage.
The process allows the passenger to share a secure link with the airline, which can then use its own tools to locate the bag within the airport. Dados from SITA, a technology company for the airline industry, indicate that the use of trackers resulted in a 26% reduction in baggage delays and a 90% drop in cases of permanent losses among participating companies.
Security is a pillar of this role. Access is restricted to authorized personnel and is automatically disabled once the item is retrieved or after a pre-determined period of seven days. At any time, the AirTag owner can revoke access while maintaining full control over their location information.
Privacy as a pillar of design
The Apple reinforced the privacy measures that were already a differentiator of the AirTag. The device is designed not to store any location history on its hardware. Toda communication with the Buscar network is protected by end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only the device owner can view its location. Nem even Apple has access to this information or the identity of the devices that help find you.
To prevent unwanted tracking, the system issues proactive alerts if an unknown AirTag is moving with a person over time. Além Additionally, the AirTag’s Bluetooth signal identifiers are rotated frequently to prevent them from being monitored by third parties. The company reiterates that the accessory was developed exclusively to track objects, not people, and continues to improve protections against misuse.
Sustainability in the production of the new device
In line with Apple’s environmental goals, the new AirTag incorporates recycled materials in its construction. The external structure uses 85% recycled plastic, while all internal magnets are made with 100% recycled rare earth elements. The printed circuit boards also receive 100% recycled gold plating, and the packaging is made entirely from wood fibers from recycled or responsibly managed sources. Essas initiatives are part of the Apple 2030 plan, which aims to achieve carbon neutrality across the entire supply chain and product life cycle by the end of the decade. The decision to maintain the same physical format also contributes to sustainability, allowing users to reuse previous generation accessories, avoiding unnecessary disposal.
System requirements and immediate availability
To use all the features of the new AirTag, you need an iPhone or iPad with the iOS 26 or iPadOS 26 operating system, or higher versions. The Busca Precisa on the Apple Watch, in turn, requires watchOS 26.2.1 or later on supported models. It is important to note that Ultra Wideband technology may have usage restrictions in certain regions due to local regulations. Pre-orders for the device opened globally on January 26, with arrival expected at Apple physical stores and authorized resellers throughout the week.
