Apple has unveiled an upgraded version of its popular item tracker, the AirTag, nearly five years after the original launched. The second-generation AirTag keeps the same familiar design but comes with several key improvements to make finding lost items easier and more reliable.

The biggest upgrade is inside: the new AirTag features Apple's second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, the same technology found in the latest iPhones and Apple Watches. This powers the Precision Finding feature, which can now guide users to a lost item from up to 50% farther away than before.

An upgraded Bluetooth chip also provides a general boost to the tracking range. For the first time, users of Apple Watch Series 9 and later (including the Apple Watch Ultra 2) can use Precision Finding directly from their wrist, not just their iPhone.

Another welcome change is a louder speaker. Apple says the new AirTag is 50% louder than the first model, making it easier to hear when it's ringing from inside a couch cushion or a bag. The distinctive chime has also been updated.

Despite the internal upgrades, the outside looks the same. It still uses a standard, user-replaceable CR2032 battery that lasts over a year. It is also compatible with all existing AirTag accessories, like key rings and luggage tags.

The new AirTag is available to order starting today, with availability in Apple Stores later this week. The pricing remains unchanged: a single AirTag costs $29 and a four-pack costs $99. Free personalized engraving is still offered on Apple's website and app.

To use the new features, Apple states that a compatible iPhone running the upcoming iOS 26.2.1 update is required. The update expanding Precision Finding to compatible Apple Watches is also expected.