Apple has officially unveiled the second generation of its item tracker, the AirTag 2, bringing a set of meaningful hardware upgrades to the Indian market. At first glance, it looks exactly like the original AirTag launched back in 2021, and that seems intentional. Apple has clearly chosen to focus on performance rather than redesign. The result is a tracker that feels familiar but works noticeably better when it comes to finding misplaced or lost items. Despite these improvements, the company has kept pricing unchanged, positioning AirTag 2 as a straightforward replacement for the first generation rather than a premium upgrade.
Key Takeaways
- Wider Range: The AirTag 2 is powered by a second generation Ultra Wideband chip that expands Precision Finding range by up to 50%, making it easier to locate items from farther away.
- Louder Audio: The built-in speaker is now 50% louder, which should help in real situations like bags stuffed under seats or keys slipping between sofa cushions.
- Airline Integration: The new model supports the Share Item Location feature with more than 50 airlines worldwide, including Air India, helping track lost luggage more effectively.
- Apple Watch Support: For the first time, Precision Finding works directly on Apple Watch Series 9 or later and Apple Watch Ultra 2, reducing reliance on the iPhone.
- India Pricing: AirTag 2 is priced at Rs 3,790 for a single unit and Rs 12,900 for a four-pack, with sales starting January 30, 2026.
Enhanced tracking with new internal hardware
At the core of the AirTag 2 is the same second generation Ultra-Wideband chip used in the iPhone 17 and Apple Watch Series 11. This chip drives the Precision Finding experience, showing arrows and distance markers that guide users straight to their lost item. With the updated hardware, Precision Finding now works from a distance that is roughly 50% greater than before. In everyday use, that extra range could make the difference between quickly locating something or having to walk around guessing.
Apple has also refreshed the Bluetooth components, which helps the AirTag maintain a stable connection over longer distances. Alongside this, the internal layout has been redesigned to include a new speaker. It is not only louder but produces a slightly different sound profile. This might seem like a small change, but it addresses a long-standing complaint from users who struggled to hear alerts when the AirTag was buried deep inside bags or wallets.
Solving the lost luggage problem
One of the more practical updates with AirTag 2 is its deeper integration with airlines. Using the Find My app, users can now generate a secure, temporary link that shares the live location of their luggage with airline staff. More than 50 international airlines support this feature at launch, including Air India. This allows ground staff to see a bag’s location on a map for a limited period, which could significantly reduce the time spent tracking down misplaced luggage.
Apple collaborated with SITA, a major airline IT services provider, to test the system. Early feedback suggests that access to real-time location data helps airlines return bags faster than traditional tracking methods. Importantly, the shared link expires automatically after seven days or once the luggage is returned, which keeps user data protected and avoids unnecessary long-term access.
Privacy and environmental focus
Apple continues to emphasize privacy with the AirTag 2. The device does not store location history, and all communication through the Find My network is end to end encrypted. In simple terms, only the owner can see where their AirTag is located. Even Apple itself cannot access this data, which is reassuring given ongoing concerns around tracking devices.
From an environmental standpoint, the AirTag 2 is built using 85% recycled plastic and 100% recycled gold in its circuit boards. The tracker still runs on a standard CR2032 coin cell battery that lasts for over a year under normal use. Since the size and shape remain unchanged, it fits perfectly into all existing AirTag accessories. It also retains an IP67 rating, meaning it can survive accidental water exposure up to 1 metre deep for 30 minutes.
Price and availability in India
In India, the AirTag 2 costs Rs 3,790 for a single unit, while a four-pack bundle is priced at Rs 12,900. Orders are already open through the Apple India online store and the Apple Store app, both of which offer free personalized engraving. The tracker will be available at physical Apple Store locations and authorized resellers across the country starting January 30, 2026. For those interested in accessories, the FineWoven Key Ring is sold separately for Rs 3,900 and comes in five color options.
Related FAQs
Q1: Do I need a new iPhone to use AirTag 2?
A1: You can use AirTag 2 with any iPhone that supports the Find My network. However, features like improved Precision Finding and airline location sharing require iOS 26 or later.
Q2: Can I use my old AirTag cases with the new model?
A2: Yes, the dimensions are exactly the same as the original AirTag, so existing loops, key rings, and luggage tags will work without any issues.
Q3: Which Indian airlines support the luggage tracking feature?
A3: Air India is currently supported. Apple has indicated that more domestic airlines in India are expected to join as they update their ground systems.
Q4: Does the battery need charging?
A4: No. The AirTag 2 uses a replaceable CR2032 coin battery. You will typically need to replace it about once a year, and your iPhone will notify you when the battery is running low.
