Apple AirTag (2nd Gen) Review: Would Owners Buy It Again?
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through links on this page we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How this review was made: We did not test this tracker in person. Because the 2nd-generation AirTag launched in January 2026, this verdict combines reviews of the new model with years of owner experience with the original AirTag, all listed at the end of this article. Our method.
The easiest tracker to recommend, if you have an iPhone
The original AirTag has been helping people find keys, bags and luggage since 2021, thanks to Apple's huge Find My network. The 2026 version keeps the same design and price but adds longer Precision Finding range, a louder speaker and Apple Watch support. Tom's Guide calls it the most "findable" tracker available. It only works with Apple devices, though, and there's still no built-in key ring hole.
Check current price on Amazon → Prices and availability change often, so we don't list them here.Buy it again if you…
- use an iPhone
- travel and want to keep track of checked luggage
- lose keys, wallets or bags often
- want no subscription
Skip it if you…
- use an Android phone
- want a tracker with a built-in key ring hole
- want a rechargeable battery
The Apple AirTag (2nd generation) is a small, round Bluetooth tracker that uses Apple's Find My network. It launched on January 26, 2026, with the same size, design and battery as the original, but a newer Ultra Wideband chip, a louder speaker and Precision Finding on Apple Watch.
Because the new model is recent, we combined reviews of the 2nd generation with years of owner experience with the original AirTag.
What owners say, at a glance
Bars show our editorial summary of how consistently owners praise or complain about each area across all sources — not a lab measurement.
The key specs
| Released | January 26, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Works with | iPhone and iPad (requires a recent iOS version) |
| Network | Apple Find My |
| Battery | Replaceable CR2032, about 1 year |
| Water resistance | IP67 |
| Size / weight | 31.9 × 8.0 mm, 11 g |
What owners love
What owners complain about
A note on safety
AirTags include anti-stalking alerts that warn people if an unknown AirTag is traveling with them. Researchers at Northeastern found these alerts can take from 30 minutes to several hours to appear. Only use AirTags to track your own belongings.
How it holds up over time
The original AirTag has a long track record of reliability, and the new model keeps the same IP67 design and replaceable battery. You'll replace the coin cell about once a year, and that's usually all the maintenance it needs.
Tips from owners
- Get a holder or key ring since there's no built-in hole.
- Put one in checked luggage when you travel.
- Keep a spare CR2032 battery at home.
- Buy the 4-pack if you want several, since it costs less per tag.
Pros and cons
What owners love
- Huge Find My network
- Longer Precision Finding range than the original
- Louder speaker
- No subscription
- Replaceable battery lasts about a year
What owners complain about
- Only works with Apple devices
- No built-in key ring hole
- Disposable coin-cell battery
- Small upgrade if you own the original
Other options owners compare
If you use Android or want something different, these are the main alternatives.
| Tracker | Works with | Consider it if… | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple AirTag (2nd Gen) (this review) | iPhone | You use an iPhone | See on Amazon |
| Chipolo POP | iPhone (Find My) or Android (Google) | You want a loud tracker with a key ring hole | See on Amazon |
| Tile Mate | iPhone and Android | You want one tracker that works on both platforms | See on Amazon |
| Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 | Samsung Galaxy phones | You have a Samsung phone | See on Amazon |
iPhone user? This is the tracker to get.
Check the current price for single tags and 4-packs on Amazon.
Frequently asked questions
Does the AirTag work with Android?
No. It requires an iPhone or iPad. Android users should consider Chipolo POP, Tile Mate or Samsung SmartTag2.
What's new in the 2nd-gen AirTag?
Longer Precision Finding range, a louder speaker and Apple Watch support. The design, battery and price are unchanged.
How long does the battery last?
About a year. It uses a standard, replaceable CR2032 coin cell.
Is there a subscription?
No.
Can I use it in luggage?
Yes. Owners commonly use AirTags to track checked bags.
Save this review for later
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Sources we analyzed
- Tom's Guide: AirTag 2 review — range testing and verdict
- the5krunner: AirTag 2 specs and opinion — release date and specs
- TechGearLab: best Bluetooth trackers — AirTag vs Tile and Samsung
- Tech Buzz Ireland: Chipolo POP launch — Chipolo POP features
- Northeastern University: AirTag research — luggage tracking and anti-stalking alert timing
Figures reflect each source as of October 02, 2026 and may change. We summarize owner feedback in our own words and do not reproduce retailer reviews.