At a Glance
- AirTag now has longer Bluetooth range, a louder speaker, and improved Precision Finding.
- Precision Finding works up to 50% farther and is available on newer Apple Watch models.
- The updated speaker is 50% louder, allowing the beep to be heard twice as far.
Why it matters: Users can locate items faster and from greater distances, enhancing everyday convenience.
Apple introduced the next version of its AirTag on Monday, announcing a suite of hardware upgrades that promise a more reliable and audible experience for users tracking personal items.
New Features
Apple’s latest AirTag incorporates a longer Bluetooth range, a louder speaker, and enhanced Precision Finding capabilities. The speaker’s volume increase-50% louder than the previous generation-means the beep can be heard from up to twice the distance. The extended Bluetooth chip also pushes the detection radius further, allowing users to locate items that were previously out of reach.
Precision Finding, powered by Apple’s second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, now offers haptic, visual, and audio feedback to guide users directly to their lost items. According to Apple, the new Precision Finding can extend its effective range by 50% compared to the prior generation. This feature is now accessible from the Apple Watch Series 9 or later and Apple Watch Ultra 2 or later.
Technology Behind the Upgrade
The second-generation Ultra Wideband chip that drives Precision Finding is also found in the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, Apple Watch Series 11, and Apple Watch Ultra 3. By leveraging the same technology across multiple devices, Apple creates a unified ecosystem that makes locating items more seamless.
The upgraded Bluetooth chip works in tandem with the Ultra Wideband system to increase the overall range at which an AirTag can be located. While the exact new range is not disclosed, Apple highlights that the combination of both chips results in a more reliable connection and faster triangulation.
Market Impact
Apple’s AirTag has long dominated the Bluetooth-connected lost-item market. First launched in 2021, the device quickly surpassed competitors such as Tile, forcing many rivals to reevaluate their strategies. Apple’s Find My network, backed by the vast iPhone install base, created a competitive moat that made it difficult for other trackers to gain traction.
In the latter part of 2024, third-party estimates suggest that nearly 70% of trackers sold were AirTag devices. Although Apple does not disclose its sales figures, the dominance of AirTag in the market remains clear.
Pricing and Availability
The price of the new AirTag has not changed. A single unit remains at $29, while a four-pack is priced at $99 and includes free personalized engraving. The device will be available for purchase in Apple stores and online channels beginning with the release date announced on Monday.
Industry Response
Competitors such as Chipolo have responded by offering products that work across iOS and Android or feature rechargeable batteries. While some third-party trackers continue to integrate with Apple’s Find My app, many still emphasize unique selling points that differentiate them from AirTag.
Apple’s continued investment in the AirTag line demonstrates its commitment to maintaining a strong presence in the personal item tracking market, despite the presence of alternative solutions.
Future Outlook
With the latest hardware enhancements, Apple is reinforcing its position as the leading provider of personal item tracking solutions. The extended range, louder speaker, and improved Precision Finding should make the AirTag even more indispensable for users who rely on it daily.
The company’s strategy to keep the AirTag price point stable while adding value through hardware improvements is likely to sustain its market share and discourage new entrants from gaining significant traction.
Daniel J. Whitman has worked as a reporter for News Of Philadelphia since August 2011. She joined the company after having previously spent over three years at ReadWriteWeb. Prior to her work as a reporter, Daniel J. Whitman worked in I.T. across a number of industries, including banking, retail and software.
You can contact or verify outreach from Daniel J. Whitman by emailing sarahp@News Of Philadelphia.com or via encrypted message at sarahperez.01 on Signal.
