After years of rumors, Apple has finally released a new AirTag with more precise tracking from a longer range, a louder speaker, and bolstered security features.

On Monday morning, Apple released the second-generation AirTag. The company's quarter-sized item tracker received several notable updates.

These updates mainly address concerns from earlier models. Improvements include a louder speaker, a better Ultra Wideband chip, and more precise tracking.

More precise tracking at greater distances

Precision Finding originally worked within 15 meters, or 50 feet, of a first-generation AirTag. This was effective for items lost at home, but less helpful if something was misplaced outdoors or in an unfamiliar location.

With the second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, its range now extends to about 60 meters, nearly 200 feet. This significantly improves tracking for items that may have been lost outside the home.

Louder speaker

Apple says the new AirTag has an updated internal design. The company also claims that the new AirTag is 50 percent louder than the previous generation, with claims of being able to hear the chirp from twice as far away.

We expect that most will still use Precise Finding to locate a lost item, rather than rely on the chirp. The extra loudness is good for anti-stalking measures, though.

It's not clear if Apple changed the speaker design that much. Criminals could mod the previous AirTag to disable the speaker.

Bigger, better range

AirTag is now powered by the second-generation Ultra Wideband chip — the same as Apple's iPhone 17 lineup, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple Watch Series 11. Users can follow haptic, visual, and audio feedback to guide them to their lost items.

Bluetooth has also been upgraded, which expands the range at which items can be found. It also works with the Apple Watch Series 9 or later and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 or later, letting users track their items from their wrists.

Improved security features

Apple has redesigned AirTag from the ground up, prioritizing user safety above all else. AirTag doesn't store location or history on the device, and all Find My network communication is protected with end-to-end encryption.

Apple also says that the new AirTag "incorporates a suite of industry-first protections against unwanted tracking," including "cross-platform alerts and unique Bluetooth identifiers that change frequently."

It's not clear how much of this applies to the previous AirTag too. We've reached out to Apple to find out.

Better for the environment

According to Apple, the new AirTag "is designed with the environment in mind." As part of project 2030, it features 85 percent recycled plastic in the enclosure, 100 percent recycled rare earth elements in all magnets, and 100 percent recycled gold plating in all Apple-designed printed circuit boards.

Where to buy

Fortunately, Apple has decided to keep the overall design of AirTag the same. This means that previous accessories, like AirTag keychains and luggage tags, will still be compatible with this new generation.

Those interested in purchasing AirTag can do so through Apple's online store, in a brick-and-mortar Apple Store, or from authorized third-party sellers. A single AirTag will cost you $29, while a four-pack will run you $99.