Five years after the launch of the original AirTag, Apple launched AirTag 2 earlier this year. Whether you are a new user or you don’t know whether you should upgrade from the first generation to the second generation, this time we have compiled all the new features and improvements about AirTag 2 for you, so that you can have a better reference before purchasing and choosing.
What is the difference between AirTag 2 and AirTag? See all the content at once
Fine detection upgrade with new ultra-wideband chip
The Accurate Search feature uses iPhone’s tactile, visual, and audio prompts to guide you to find your lost AirTags quickly and accurately. The new AirTag 2 uses a second-generation ultra-wideband chip, and the effective distance of precise positioning is approximately 1.5 times longer than that of the first-generation AirTag. Please confirm that your iPhone supports longer-distance precise positioning before use.
In addition, supported Apple Watches can now use “Precise Search” to locate the new AirTag 2; however, the original AirTag still does not support this feature of Apple Watch. This update significantly improves the convenience of daily life. Imagine that you can’t find your keys at home and don’t have your iPhone at hand. Just raise your wrist and let Apple Watch take you step by step to find the location of the AirTag. For people who often lose items or are accustomed to using Apple Watch to go out, this is an upgrade that can really feel the difference.
Upgraded version of Bluetooth, longer transmission distance
Apple said that AirTag 2 uses a new Bluetooth chip, which can further expand the positioning range of items, making the tracking effect more stable and covering a wider range than the previous generation. However, the company did not provide specific technical data, so it is still unclear how much improvement this upgrade can bring in actual use. Despite this, the improvement of Bluetooth performance is still regarded as one of the important updates of AirTag 2, and is expected to bring smoother connections and more reliable positioning capabilities in the daily object-finding experience.
speaker
AirTag 2 is equipped with a newly upgraded speaker. Apple said its volume has been increased by 50% compared to the original generation, making the prompts easier to hear in environmental noise. If you have activated the sound playback function of AirTag but cannot hear clearly due to distance or obstruction, this improvement can just make up for this pain point.
Apple also pointed out that the enhanced speakers also increase the effective prompting distance of AirTag 2 to 2 times the original, which means that even if you are further away from the lost item, you can capture the sound clues faster. Although the actual effect will still be affected by environmental factors, overall, this upgrade is expected to make the process of finding items more intuitive and less time-consuming.
New privacy protection measures
The first generation of AirTags caused controversy because they were used by unscrupulous people for illegal tracking. Although Apple has tried to improve related problems through multiple software updates in the past, AirTag 2 has further added new privacy and security protection designs. In its announcement, Apple emphasized that the new AirTags are designed to track items, not people or pets. To this end, it integrates a series of “industry-first” protection mechanisms, including cross-platform alert functions and a unique Bluetooth identification code that changes frequently to reduce the risk of unauthorized tracking.
What hasn’t changed: Battery life, design, size and price
Although the new AirTag 2 brings many updates, there are still many design features that continue from the previous generation. First of all, AirTag 2’s battery life is still the same as the original, and Apple says it can be used for “more than a year” before needing to be replaced. The appearance and size also remain the same, so when purchasing or replacing, you may need to pay special attention to the product label to distinguish between the old and new versions.
However, this continuity also brings benefits: existing AirTag accessories are still fully compatible with AirTag 2. As for the price, the new AirTag is the same as the previous generation: a single unit is priced at NT$990, and a set of four is priced at NT$3,390.
Source: KOCPC Chinese