Apple AirTag (2026) review: I put the improved range and precision tracking to the test

Source: Mashable Tech

Apple AirTag – the unassuming tracker

Apple’s AirTag is the most low‑key gadget in its lineup: you buy it, attach it to something, and use the Find My app to locate that item when it goes missing. The second‑generation AirTag (aka AirTag 2) keeps the same concept, dimensions, weight, and overall design. Put an AirTag 1 and an AirTag 2 side‑by‑side and you won’t be able to tell them apart.

“You put the AirTag 1 and AirTag 2 on the table, side by side, and you won’t be able to tell the difference.” – Stan Schroeder

Despite the visual sameness, the new AirTag introduces a handful of improvements—some obvious, others more subtle. After a week of hands‑on testing, here’s what stood out.

What’s new?

My impressions after a week of testing

1. Battery longevity – The 15 % boost is noticeable. My AirTag 2 still shows a healthy charge after 10 days of daily use, whereas the original was already dipping below 80 %.
2. Precision Finding – The newer UWB chip feels snappier. In a crowded room, the iPhone’s on‑screen arrow settles on the target faster, and the distance readout updates more fluidly.
3. Louder speaker – The extra 8 dB makes a real difference. In a noisy kitchen, the AirTag 2’s beep cuts through the clatter, while the original sometimes gets lost.
4. Water resistance – I accidentally dropped my AirTag 2 in a puddle while jogging. It survived without any hiccup, confirming the IP68 rating.
5. Tamper detection – The new sensor sends a notification if the AirTag is removed from its case. It’s a small but welcome security layer for items that travel a lot (e.g., luggage).

Overall, the AirTag 2 feels like a refined version rather than a radical redesign. If you already own an AirTag 1 and it’s still functional, the upgrade isn’t mandatory. But for new buyers—or anyone who values a louder alert, better water resistance, and a slightly longer battery life—the second‑generation model is the clear choice.

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Image credit: Apple / Mashable

Much‑Improved Range and Slightly Louder Speaker

Apple doesn’t disclose the precise range for Precision Finding on the AirTag, probably because it depends on numerous factors (e.g., the number of walls between you and the missing item).

Test Setup

• Device: iPhone 17 Pro Max (see the full review here)
• Location: Two‑bedroom apartment
• Procedure: Placed the new AirTag in one bedroom and moved to the farthest corner of the apartment.

Results

On the original AirTag, the best I could achieve was roughly 30 ft; beyond that the signal was lost.

Sound Test

The new AirTag’s speaker is noticeably louder. I placed an AirTag 2 inside a backpack and could still hear it clearly from another room, though I don’t have an exact decibel measurement.

Visual

Apple also sent me this nifty FineWoven key ring. The color shown is called “Moss.”

Battery Life and Everything Else Remain Unchanged

• Battery – The new AirTag uses the same replaceable, non‑rechargeable CR2032 lithium battery as the original. Expect roughly one year of life, matching the duration observed with previous AirTags.

• Dimensions & Weight

• Durability – Rated IP67, meaning it can survive immersion up to 1 m for 30 min.

All existing accessories will continue to fit, as the size and shape have not changed.

Owners of Old iPhones, Take Notice

The original AirTag works with any iPhone or iPod touch running iOS 14.5 or later (yes, people are still using iPods — see the NYTimes article), as well as iPads running iPadOS 14.5 or later. In practice, even a decade‑old iPhone can use the original AirTag.

AirTag 2 Requirements

• iOS 26 or later on iPhone
• iPadOS 26 or later on iPad

Note: Improved Precision Finding is limited to iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or later models. The iPhone 16e is explicitly excluded.

Bottom Line

If your iPhone is older than the models listed above, there’s little benefit in purchasing the new AirTag 2. Stick with the original AirTag or consider upgrading your device.

Apple Watch Gets Precision Tracking

You only get a very approximate position of the AirTag on the Apple Watch.
Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Apple introduced Precision Finding for AirTags on the Apple Watch—a feature that previously existed only on iPhone. It works with:

• Apple Watch Series 9 or later, or
• Apple Watch Ultra 2 or later

…and requires watchOS 10.2.1 (or later).

Why It’s Not Plug‑and‑Play

The workflow isn’t as simple as opening the Find Items app and tapping an AirTag. You must first add the Find Items tile to Control Center.

How to Enable Precision Finding

1. Open Control Center on your Watch.
2. Tap Edit → + to add a new tile.
3. Scroll to Find Items, tap it, then select Find AirTag.
4. Choose the AirTag you want to track and tap the check‑mark to confirm.

The Find AirTag button now appears in Control Center.

Using Precision Finding

1. Open Control Center.
2. Tap the Find AirTag button.
3. Follow the on‑screen directions to locate the tag.

Note: Precision Finding on the Watch is less accurate than on an iPhone, so treat it as a last‑resort option.

Limitations

• The feature does not work with the original AirTag (only with the newer “Precision” AirTag).
• It can still be used to locate an iPhone 15 or newer from the Watch.

Visual References

Precision tracking on a new Apple AirTag

Credit: Apple

AirTag location feature in the Find My app

Credit: Apple

Verdict: Very useful, but still a little pricey for what you get

Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

The AirTag is a useful little thing. It saved me a lot of worrying once when my baggage got lost, as I was able to track its whereabouts through Find My. It costs nothing to buy a couple of AirTags and attach them to your keys, bikes, backpacks, or luggage, but…

…it does cost, quite a bit actually. A single AirTag is $29—a price that feels steep for such a simple gadget. Fortunately, Apple also sells a four‑pack for $99, which is still pricey but better than buying them one by one.

You can buy a four‑pack of the original AirTag on Amazon for $64 (as of this writing).

As with many Apple gadgets, the company does such a good job with the simplest of things that you often end up paying the dreaded Apple premium. My advice: just get a four‑pack and don’t think about the price too hard.

Pricing (Amazon)

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Stan Schroeder – Senior Editor, Mashable

Stan is a Senior Editor at Mashable, where he has worked since 2007. He writes about the next groundbreaking thing—usually a phone, a coin, or a car. His ultimate goal is to know something about everything.

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