AirTag 2 vs AirTag (1st Generation): Which Should You Buy?
Same shape, same battery, but the second-generation AirTag has new radios inside and a louder speaker.
Apple Apple AirTag (2nd generation): Tracker for Keychain, Wallet
Apple Apple AirTag (1st generation). Track your keys, wallet
Side by side
| Apple AirTag (2nd generation): Tracker for | Apple AirTag (1st generation). Track your | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | See on Amazon → | See on Amazon → |
| Rating | ★★★★★ 4.6 | ★★★★★ 4.6 |
| Review count | 6,079 | 145,818 |
| Brand | Apple | Apple |
| Highlights |
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Our verdict
If you're buying new, get the second-generation AirTag: Apple lists up to 1.5x the Precision Finding range, a speaker 50% louder, and Precision Finding on Apple Watch. If you already own first-generation AirTags and they're working, there's little reason to swap them. The casing, IP67 rating and replaceable CR2032 battery are the same. The upgrade matters most if you have a recent iPhone (iPhone 15 or later) or an Apple Watch and often lose things in big spaces such as car parks or airports.
Which one is for you?
- Anyone buying their first AirTag, or owning an iPhone 15 or later or a recent Apple Watch and wanting the longest finding range. Read our full look at the Apple AirTag (2nd generation): Tracker for →
- Owners of older iPhones (iPhone 11 to 14) and anyone who already has first-generation tags and just needs one or two more. Read our full look at the Apple AirTag (1st generation). Track your →
What Apple changed in the second generation
The outside looks the same. Apple's UK page for the AirTag (2nd generation) lists a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, an upgraded Bluetooth chip and a redesigned speaker. Apple quotes up to a 1.5x greater Precision Finding range than the previous generation, and a speaker that's 50% louder, so you can hear it from up to twice as far away.
The first-generation AirTag uses Apple's U1 chip. It already did Precision Finding and Lost Mode over NFC, so the older tag isn't missing a feature category. The newer one just does more of it, from further away.
Precision Finding on Apple Watch
This is the clearest new feature. Apple says Precision Finding now works from an Apple Watch Series 9 or later, or Apple Watch Ultra 2 or later, so you can follow directions on your wrist without pulling out a phone. The first-generation tag's listing says its Precision Finding needs an iPhone 11 or later, with no Apple Watch route.
There's a catch on the phone side. Apple's footnote says the improved Precision Finding needs an iPhone Air or iPhone 15 or later, excluding iPhone 16e. On an iPhone 11 to 14 you'd still get the tag working in Find My, but you shouldn't expect the extended range from the new chip.
What hasn't changed
Both generations are rated IP67 by Apple (up to 1 metre for 30 minutes), both take a user-replaceable CR2032 coin cell, and both are the same 31.9 mm across and 8.0 mm thick. The second-generation tag is a touch heavier at 11.8 g against 11 g. Apple says the newer tag works for more than a year on a standard battery; Apple's first-generation page gives no battery-life figure, so don't expect a battery-life reason to upgrade.
Neither tag has a keyring hole, so you'll need a holder for keys or luggage. Both need an iPhone or iPad to set up, and both use the Find My network.
In practice that means the decision is about radios and sound, not build. Apple's operating range for the tag is -20 to 60 degrees C on its UK page, and the second-generation listing mentions a battery alert from your iPhone when the cell needs replacing. If you're buying a four-pack, mixing generations is fine, so you could add one new tag for the item you lose most and leave the rest alone.
Sharing and who it's for
Apple says you can share an item's location with more than 50 airlines for lost luggage on the second-generation tag. We couldn't confirm the same wording on Apple's pages for the first generation, so check before you rely on it for a trip. If you're choosing between Apple and Samsung instead, see our AirTag 2 vs Samsung SmartTag2 comparison.
Who should skip the upgrade
If you have working first-generation tags and an iPhone older than the 15, the new range and speaker gains are hard to use. Keep what you have. Browse the rest of the GPS, finders and accessories range if you want a tag that suits Android instead.
Questions people ask
Is AirTag 2 better than AirTag 1?
Yes on paper: a newer Ultra Wideband chip, longer Precision Finding range, a speaker Apple says is 50% louder and Apple Watch support. The body, IP67 rating and battery type are the same.
Is it worth upgrading from AirTag 1 to AirTag 2?
Only if you have an iPhone 15 or later or a compatible Apple Watch and regularly lose things at distance. If your current tags work and you have an older iPhone, keep them.
Does AirTag 2 work with an older iPhone?
It works through Find My, but Apple says the improved Precision Finding needs an iPhone Air or iPhone 15 or later (not the 16e). It needs a recent iOS 26 release to set up.
Can AirTag 1 and AirTag 2 be used together?
Yes. Both sit in the same Find My app on your iPhone or iPad, and you can have a mix of generations on one Apple Account.
Is the AirTag 2 battery replaceable?
Yes. Both generations use a user-replaceable CR2032 coin cell, and Apple says the second-generation tag lasts more than a year on one.
Sources
Prices are pulled live from Amazon.
Prices move around, so always confirm on Amazon before deciding. Browse more options in GPS, Finders & Accessories or see the whole Electronics department. New to the category? Start with our buying guide.