Apple's new AirTag has more range and a better speaker

"Apple has revealed a new AirTag that comes with the company's upgraded ultra wideband chip, allowing for more precise location tracking. It has the same $29 for one or $99 for a four-pack price as the AirTag it's replacing, while the new chip powers Apple's Precision Finding feature, which uses haptic, visual, and audio feedback to guide you to items from up to "50 percent farther away.""

"Along with more accurate location tracking, the new AirTag has an updated speaker that Apple says is 50 percent louder, as well as a Bluetooth chip that "expands the range at which items can be located. You can also use the Precision Finding feature with an Apple Watch Series 9 or later, or Apple Watch Ultra 2 or later, with watchOS 26.2.1."

"The new AirTag is compatible with all existing accessories. Apple notes that the AirTag "doesn't physically store location data or history on device," while end-to-end encryption secures communication with its Find My network. It adds that the AirTag also includes measures to protect against unwanted tracking, "including cross-platform alerts and unique Bluetooth identifiers that change frequently." Apple partnered with Google in 2023 on an industry standard designed to help limit AirTag tracking."

The AirTag features an upgraded ultra wideband chip that enables more precise location tracking and powers Precision Finding, which uses haptic, visual, and audio feedback to guide users to items from up to 50 percent farther away. Pricing remains $29 for one or $99 for a four-pack. The device includes an updated speaker that is 50 percent louder and a Bluetooth chip that expands the range at which items can be located. Precision Finding also works with Apple Watch Series 9 or later and Apple Watch Ultra 2 or later with watchOS 26.2.1. The AirTag is compatible with existing accessories, does not physically store location data or history on device, uses end-to-end encryption for Find My communications, and incorporates anti-tracking measures including cross-platform alerts, frequently changing Bluetooth identifiers, and adherence to a 2023 industry standard developed with Google.

Read at The Verge