Apple AirTag

Last updated: 27 March 2026

What does the Apple AirTag do?

The Apple AirTag is a small, coin-shaped tracker you attach to everyday items. Once paired with your iPhone, it appears in the Find My app, where you can see its location on a map, play a sound to find it nearby, or use Precision Finding for on-screen directional guidance straight to the item.

If your AirTag is out of Bluetooth range, it taps into Apple's crowdsourced Find My network. This means hundreds of millions of Apple devices around the world can anonymously detect your AirTag and relay its approximate location back to you. All communication is encrypted end-to-end, so nobody (including Apple) can see your item's location except you.

For more detail on how the technology works, see Apple's official AirTag support page.

AirTag 2nd generation: what's new

Apple launched the updated AirTag on 26 January 2026. The key improvements over the original include a 50% louder speaker, Precision Finding from up to 50% further away (thanks to the second-generation Ultra Wideband chip), and Precision Finding support on Apple Watch Series 9 or later. The battery is still a user-replaceable CR2032, the design is the same compact disc shape, and it's still IP67 rated for water and dust resistance.

Additionally, a Share Item Location feature lets you temporarily share your AirTag's position with trusted contacts or partnered airlines if your luggage goes missing.

UK pricing

Apple keeps things simple. The AirTag 2 costs £29 for a single pack and £99 for a four-pack. Free personalised engraving is available when you order direct from Apple. Third-party retailers like Amazon occasionally offer small discounts, particularly on multi-packs.

Original Gen 1 AirTags are still available from some retailers while stock lasts, often at reduced prices. However, Apple has discontinued Gen 1 production, so availability will gradually reduce.

Where to buy in the UK

Buy AirTag 2 (single) on Amazon - £29

Buy AirTag 2 four-pack on Amazon - £99

You can also buy from the Apple Store UK for free engraving and easy returns. Alternatively, if you're open to a refurbished option, Back Market sometimes stocks AirTags alongside discounted iPhones and iPads.

Want our honest opinion? Read our full new AirTag review.

Key features

Precision Finding: On-screen arrows, distance indicators, and haptic feedback guide you to your AirTag. Requires iPhone 11 or later for standard Precision Finding, or iPhone 15 or later (excluding iPhone 16e) for the improved longer-range version.

Find My network: Hundreds of millions of Apple devices worldwide help locate your AirTag when it's out of direct Bluetooth range, all anonymously and encrypted.

Louder speaker: The 2nd generation model is 50% louder, so you can hear it from further away when it's tucked inside a bag or under furniture.

Privacy protections: AirTag does not store location history, uses end-to-end encryption, and includes anti-stalking alerts for both iPhone and Android users.

Replaceable battery: A standard CR2032 coin cell lasts over a year and swaps out in seconds.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Apple AirTag worth it?

If you own an iPhone and regularly misplace keys, wallets, or luggage, an AirTag is one of the most practical accessories you can buy. It's affordable, requires no charging, and plugs into the largest item-finding network available.

Does AirTag need a subscription?

No. There are no monthly fees or subscriptions. Once you buy an AirTag, all tracking features work through the free Find My app on your iPhone.

Can I use AirTag with Android?

No. AirTag requires an iPhone or iPad. Android phones can detect unknown AirTags nearby (as an anti-stalking measure), but they cannot track items using AirTag.

How far can AirTag track?

Bluetooth range for direct connection is roughly 10 to 15 metres. Beyond that, the Find My network takes over and can locate your AirTag anywhere in the world where other Apple devices are present, which covers most populated areas.

What's the difference between AirTag and AirTag 2?

The 2nd generation AirTag has a 50% louder speaker, 50% more Precision Finding range, and supports Precision Finding on Apple Watch. The price remains the same at £29/£99.

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• Back Market discount code - Refurbished Apple gear at lower prices, with an extra discount on your first order.
• Brave browser - A privacy-first browser that blocks trackers by default.

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