AirTags Value Test: What the Latest Version Really Offers Owners

Apple's AirTag has always occupied a curious space in the company's ecosystem. It is not flashy, not especially expensive, and not strictly necessary yet for millions of users it quietly solves a daily frustration.

With Apple now unveiling a refreshed version of the coin-sized tracker, the question is less about what's new, and more about who actually benefits from those changes.

The latest AirTag keeps the same familiar design and price point but promises meaningful upgrades under the hood. Apple claims a louder speaker, improved Bluetooth performance, and a more capable Precision Finding experience powered by its second-generation Ultra Wideband chip.

On paper, that makes it a compelling update for people who constantly misplace their belongings. However, the Apple AirTag can do more than that.

For The Forgetful And Multi-Taskers

Still, not every AirTag owner will feel the need to rush out and replace what they already have. The improvements are real, but they are also situational. Depending on how people use an AirTag or whether they use one at all, the latest version could be either a smart buy or an easy skip.

Some people lose things occasionally. Others lose them as a lifestyle. Keys, water bottles, wallets, phones, if it can be put down, it can be misplaced. For users who fall into this second category, an AirTag can feel like a safety net for everyday life.

Per Apple, the biggest upgrade here is Precision Finding. Apple says the new AirTag can guide users from up to 50 per cent farther away than before, using a mix of visual cues, haptics, and audio. The speaker is also around 50 per cent louder, making it easier to hear when an item is buried in couch cushions or left in another room.

Is it worth the upgrade? If you regularly spend time hunting for everyday essentials, the improved Precision Finding may justify replacing an older AirTag. If your current one already does the job without much fuss, there's little urgency to upgrade.

For People Who Love To Travel

For frequent travellers, AirTag has arguably become indispensable. Slipping one into a suitcase offers peace of mind when luggage disappears into airport systems, and it can dramatically cut down the stress of baggage delays.

At $29 (£22.90) for a single AirTag, or $99 (£78.00) for a four-pack, it remains a relatively low-cost travel insurance policy. The improved Bluetooth range and louder speaker make it easier to locate bags once they arrive, while Apple's Share Item Location feature allows users to temporarily share a bag's location with participating airlines.

Is it worth the upgrade? If the existing AirTags still track luggage reliably, users can hold off. But if they're starting to feel sluggish or inconsistent, the newer model offers tangible improvements for travellers.

For Those Worried About Theft

AirTags are increasingly used as a theft deterrent, particularly for bicycles and eBikes. Their small size makes them easy to conceal, whether under a bike seat, inside a frame mount, or even within a tyre using a dedicated holder.

However, in theft scenarios, pinpoint accuracy matters less than reliable network connectivity. The Find My network is doing most of the heavy lifting here, and older AirTags already perform well in that respect.

Is it worth the upgrade? No. The newer Precision Finding features don't meaningfully change how an AirTag performs once an item has been stolen. More important is ensuring that the AirTag battery is healthy and replacing it with a CR 2032 battery when needed.

Not For People Or Pets

Despite how tempting it may be, AirTag is not designed to track people or animals. Apple has deliberately limited its effectiveness for these uses, introducing alerts and irregular signal updates to prevent unwanted tracking.

For pets, this creates both practical and safety concerns. Signals update only every few minutes and rely on nearby Apple devices, making them unreliable in rural or outdoor environments. The louder speaker could also distress animals, while poorly secured tags pose a choking hazard.

Those considering AirTag for pets or children, should look elsewhere instead. It's worth looking at purpose-built tracking solutions instead.

Is It Worth Buying Now?

The new AirTag is available directly from Apple at $29 (£22.90) for one or $99 (£78.00) for a four-pack. Meanwhile, last-generation AirTags remain on sale at retailers like Amazon for around $25.99 (£20.50) or $69 (£54.50) for a four-pack.

For first-time buyers, the refreshed AirTag is an easy recommendation. For existing owners, it's a classic Apple upgrade dilemma: better, but not essential.