Apple’s newly announced AirTag brings a meaningful upgrade to Precision Finding, but not everyone will benefit from it.
The new AirTag uses Apple’s second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, allowing Precision Finding to work at distances up to 50% than before. The catch is simple. You need a compatible iPhone with the same newer UWB hardware.
What actually changed with the new AirTag
Precision Finding already made it easier to locate lost items by showing a directional arrow and live distance readings on your iPhone. With the new AirTag, that experience now works from farther away, making it easier to lock onto items before you are already close.
This improvement only works when both devices support Apple’s second-generation Ultra Wideband chip. That hardware requirement is what limits compatibility.
Worth checking out: How to Tell AirTag 2 Apart From the Original AirTag (Simple Check)
These iPhone models support the extended range
To use the improved Precision Finding range, Apple says you need one of the following iPhone models running at least iOS 26.2.1:
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 17
- iPhone 17 Pro
- iPhone 17 Pro Max
- iPhone Air
Apple introduced the second-generation Ultra Wideband chip starting with the iPhone 15 lineup. That is why earlier models are excluded from the range boost.
It is also worth noting that the iPhone 16e does not include the newer Ultra Wideband chip, despite being part of the iPhone 16 family.
Older iPhones still get Precision Finding
If you are using an iPhone 11 or newer, Precision Finding still works as before. The experience and accuracy remain the same as the original AirTag, just without the extended range offered by the new hardware.
So this is not a case where older devices lose functionality. They just do not gain the extra distance.
Apple Watch support is expanding too
Starting with watchOS 26.2.1, Precision Finding for AirTag 2 is also available on:
- Apple Watch Series 9 and later
- Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later
This Apple Watch support does not work with the original AirTag. It is exclusive to the new model.
Better Bluetooth range outside Precision Finding
Even when Precision Finding is not in use, the new AirTag benefits from an upgraded Bluetooth chip. Apple says this improves overall range when paired with an iPhone 11 or newer, making it easier for nearby devices to detect it in the Find My network.
Pricing and availability
The new AirTag is available to order starting today on Apple.com and in the Apple Store app. It will arrive in physical Apple Store locations later this week.
Pricing remains unchanged in the United States:
- $29 for a single AirTag
- $99 for a four pack
The 404 Take
This AirTag update is a good example of Apple pushing hardware forward without breaking compatibility. Everyone keeps the features they already had, but newer devices get a noticeable boost.
It also quietly reinforces a trend. Ultra Wideband is becoming more important across Apple’s ecosystem, and newer iPhones are starting to pull away in ways that are not obvious on a spec sheet.
If you rely on Precision Finding often, the new AirTag paired with a recent iPhone could make a bigger difference than it sounds.
