Second-generation AirTag Released After 5 Years...How It Compares to the First Generation [Tried It Out]

"Car key, 25m, to the user's right"

Locating the second-generation AirTag using Find My's Precision Finding feature. Lee Eunseo, Reporter.

When I searched for the car key with an AirTag attached, a large arrow spun around in the center of a green background. The sharp alert sound pierced my ears even from a long distance. As I got closer to the car key, I could feel the vibration from my phone.

Last month, Apple unveiled the second-generation AirTag for the first time in five years. AirTag is an Apple accessory that provides location information so that you do not lose your belongings. It is compatible with iPhone, Apple Watch, and iPad. Typically, people attach it to car keys, put it in travel luggage or bags, and check the location through the Find My app. The second generation, which Apple introduced as having 50% louder volume and a 1.5-times wider Precision Finding range, was compared against the existing first generation.

Basic appearance is the same...second generation equipped with ultra-wideband U2 chip

AirTag appearance. Left is 1st generation, right is 2nd generation. Reporter Lee Eunseo.

The basic exterior of both generations is about the size of a coin and shaped like a Go stone, with no major changes. The front of the tag is made of metal, and both models have the same diameter of 31.9mm and thickness of 8.0mm. However, the letters around the edge of the metal surface are all capitalized on the second generation, which is different from the first generation. The weight also increased to 11.8g, which is 0.8g heavier than its predecessor.

The internal configuration of the two generations was also the same. A coin-shaped CR2032 battery is used, allowing for one year of use. It supports water resistance at a maximum depth of 1m for 30 minutes and is equipped with NFC for Lost Mode. When Lost Mode is enabled, if someone finds the AirTag and taps it with their smartphone, the owner's contact information is displayed.

Sharper alert sound, extended tracking distance of around 50m

The alert sound of Find My has become higher-pitched and sharper. It was piercing enough to quickly locate it even when it was under a pile of clothes or in a corner. In actual measurements, the first generation recorded sound levels in the low 60-decibel range, while the second generation reached the 80-decibel range.

The detection distance also increased. In outdoor tests, the second generation was detected at a straight-line distance of up to 55m. This is twice the distance supported by the first generation, which only reached up to 20m. Precision Finding could also be used from farther away. At around 25m, the arrow spun around and guided the tag's location more accurately. This is a much longer range than the first generation, which only allowed Precision Finding within 9m. This difference is due to the improved performance from the U2 chip, which is installed in the second generation but not in the first.

Little difference in vertical distance measurement...surface scratches appear quickly

Although 2-3 days have passed since use, the metal surface appears damaged. Photo by Lee Eunseo.

However, when there was a building wall in between, no difference in detection distance was observed. With a concrete wall in the middle, both generations could only be detected at a distance of about 10m. The vertical detection range was also the same. It only worked within about three floors in an apartment building, and the tracking function became much weaker.

It was also disappointing that scratches appeared easily on the metal surface. Even after just 2-3 days of use, many scratches had formed on the metal, and the matte-textured Apple logo started to wear off.

The second-generation AirTag is supported on iPhone Air and iPhone 15 or later models. To use the second generation, you need iOS 26.2.1 and watchOS 26.2.1 or later. In Korea, it is being sold for 49,000 won, which is 4,000 won higher than the previous model.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.