Apple simply launched the second-generation AirTag, 5 years after the unique mannequin debuted. There’s been a variety of time for Apple to provide you with enhancements, so we thought we would take a look at out the brand new mannequin to see what’s modified, and whether or not it is value upgrading from the first-generation AirTag.
Sadly, Apple did not replace the design of the AirTag 2, so it seems virtually similar to the unique mannequin. The one factor that is modified is the textual content on the again, which is now in caps and contains wording concerning the IP67 waterproofing, and that does not rely as any sort of design change.
It might have been good to have completely different design choices or a chargeable battery, however the AirTag is identical coin form and it nonetheless makes use of CR2032 batteries. Apple did not point out something about battery life enhancements, so the AirTag 2 nonetheless lasts a couple of 12 months earlier than it is advisable to swap it out.
Whereas there aren’t exterior updates, Apple did enhance connectivity. The AirTag 2 makes use of an upgraded model of Bluetooth and it has a second-generation Extremely Wideband (UWB) chip, so it may be tracked from additional away over Bluetooth, and the close-range Precision Discovering characteristic works over longer distances.
Based on Apple, Precision Discovering works from as much as 50 p.c additional away, so while you lose your AirTag indoors or are near it, a UWB-enabled iPhone (the iPhone 11 and later) can lead you proper to it. Apple additionally enabled Precision Discovering on the Apple Watch Sequence 9 and later and the Apple Watch Extremely 2 and later, which is tremendous helpful. You may’t use an Apple Watch to find an authentic AirTag close by, and it is most likely the perfect addition to the second-generation model.
You may even add a fast entry toggle for Precision Discovering to the Apple Watch for immediate entry to monitoring down an AirTag with out digging by way of menus. It is a way more pure approach to discover your objects.
In our testing, Precision Discovering on the Apple Watch labored reliably, monitoring down an AirTag indoors even with partitions and furnishings in the best way. The interface is identical because the Precision Discovering interface on iPhone, simply scaled all the way down to an Apple Watch measurement. You will get a directional arrow and distance that will help you precisely observe down the AirTag.
When pitting the unique AirTag in opposition to the AirTag 2 with iPhone Precision Discovering, the AirTag 2 was clearly superior. Each AirTags have been tucked inside a backpack, and positioned out of line of sight.
The unique AirTag had a tough time with partitions and objects, and required us to be nearer to the backpack to get a connection. The AirTag 2 picked up sign from a lot additional away, and saved the sign as we walked towards the backpack. It even labored with the AirTag 2 on a special ground, and saved its connection in a big workplace constructing.
Apple additionally up to date the internals of the AirTag 2 to improve the sound, and it’s noticeably louder. It’s a fairly huge enchancment in audibility, and you’ll discover the distinction between the 2. The sound is sharper and simpler to pinpoint, and it’s a lot much less more likely to mix into background noise. It makes it simpler to seek out objects, however it additionally improves the AirTag 2’s anti-stalking capabilities. It is more durable to tuck an AirTag away and mute its sound, and Apple additionally made the speaker module harder to take away with extra adhesive.
The AirTag 2 continues to be priced at $29, with Apple providing a pack of 4 for $99, so it is a stable deal, particularly with the monitoring enhancements. For most individuals, it is most likely not value upgrading to an AirTag 2 if you have already got an authentic AirTag, however if you happen to’re somebody that closely depends on AirTags frequently, it could possibly be a good suggestion to select up a few the second-generation variations.
