Apple has launched the second-generation AirTag, boasting a louder speaker, a smarter chipset, and an improved range. However, unlocking the full potential of this new tracker is dependent on the iPhone model you own. While basic functionality is accessible with a wider range of devices, the most significant upgrades, particularly the extended precision finding range, require newer iPhone hardware.
Key Takeaways
- The second-generation AirTag requires iOS 17 or iPadOS 17 for basic connectivity.
- Full compatibility with the AirTag 2, including its enhanced range, is limited to iPhones from 2019 onwards (iPhone 11 and later).
- The best upgrade, precision finding at an extended range, requires an iPhone with a second-generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip, found in the iPhone 15, 16, and 17 series.
AirTag 2 Compatibility Explained
To connect with the new AirTag, users will need an iPhone running iOS 17 or later, or an iPad running iPadOS 17 or later. This means that any iPhone launched in 2019 or more recently is supported. The list of compatible iPhones includes:
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2020)
- iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2022)
- iPhone Air
For those with older iPhones not on this list, Apple no longer sells the original AirTag directly. Finding a first-generation AirTag from a third-party seller would be the only option for tracking with older devices.
Leveraging the Enhanced Ultra-Wideband Chip
The most significant upgrade in the second-generation AirTag is its second-generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip. This chip enables precision finding of the AirTag from up to 50% farther away than the previous model. However, to take full advantage of this extended range, your iPhone must also be equipped with a second-generation UWB chip.
Specifically, this feature is supported on the iPhone 15, iPhone 16, and iPhone 17 series, including the iPhone Air but excluding the iPhone 16e. iPhones that do not have the latest UWB chip can still use the precision finding feature, which guides users to the AirTag's exact location, but the range will be limited to that of the original AirTag, estimated to be around nine meters (30 feet).
For Apple Watch users, the second-gen UWB chip is available in the Apple Watch Series 9 and later, or the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later. Additionally, users must have watchOS 10.2.1 or later installed.