The new Apple AirTag is here. Here's what actually changed.

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If there’s one travel accessory I continue to recommend without hesitation, it’s the Apple AirTag. And now that Apple has released the upgraded second-gen AirTag, this device is even more compelling for travelers who want peace of mind when it comes to their luggage and personal belongings.

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These affordable little silver disks connect to your iPhone, and through Bluetooth technology and Apple's Find My network, they work as a tracking device for anything you own, especially your checked bags while you're traveling.

One of the biggest improvements Apple introduced over the past year is the ability to share an AirTag’s location directly through the Find My app. This allows certain airlines to see AirTag data when you share it with them. Major U.S. carriers — including United and Delta — have begun supporting this feature, and more airlines are gradually rolling it out. While support isn’t universal yet, it’s a major step forward in making lost-luggage recovery less stressful and far more transparent.

I learned just how valuable AirTags can be during a trip to Grand Cayman, when my checked bag didn’t make it onto the plane. Instead of waiting until landing to discover the problem, I already knew what was coming. While still on the runway, I could see that my bag was nowhere near the aircraft. That advance notice didn’t magically get my bag on board, but it did give me time to prepare — and, more importantly, I was able to track my luggage’s progress over the next 24 hours without relying on vague airline updates.

You might find them to be extremely useful at home, too, as many people even affix one to their keychain, wallet, or even their pets. There are even third-party AirTag bracelets for your kids (I saw this firsthand at Disney World). The flexibility is part of what makes them so appealing, although Apple states that AirTags aren't intended for tracking people or animals.

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But is the upgrade worth it?

The biggest improvement is Apple’s adoption of second-generation Ultra Wideband technology. This upgrade increases the Precision Finding range up to 50% compared to the original AirTag. This feature gives greater precision and directions to items, making it much easier to find your AirTag. This is exceptionally helpful in large spaces such as airports and hotels.

The second-gen AirTag also features a redesigned internal speaker that's 50% louder than the speaker in the first generation. When trying to locate your misplaced items, it'll be easier to hear the AirTag chiming sound. The updated design also makes it harder to tamper with the device and remove the speaker.

Despite some of the enhancements and design changes, the external design didn't change at all. This means your accessories, such as keychains or wallets that hold the AirTag, don't need to be replaced.

On the downside, the new AirTag doesn’t fix all the problems. And to use the new version, you’ll need to update your device to the latest version of iOS that supports the new AirTag.

The battery life also remains the same, at roughly one year, and it requires a replaceable battery. It’s also slightly heavier, though the difference is negligible in everyday use.

If you're already a proud owner of the original AirTag and have no complaints with its performance, there may not be a need to upgrade at this moment. However, if you travel frequently or you're a first-time buyer, the improved range makes the new AirTag a better choice.

The second-gen AirTag is available as a four-pack — bringing the price down to about $25 each. This allows you to place a tag in both your checked and carry-on luggage. For a relatively small upfront cost, you gain visibility, reassurance, and a far better chance of recovering your belongings if something goes wrong. And when you’re traveling, that peace of mind is hard to put a price on.

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