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Apple Releases First Firmware Update for AirTag 2

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Apple today released new firmware for its second-generation AirTag item trackers. The firmware has a 3.0.45 version number, up from 3.0.41, and it is the first firmware update that Apple has provided for the AirTag 2 that launched in January 2026.

Second-Generation-AirTag-Feature.jpg

According to Apple, the AirTag 2 firmware updates the unwanted tracking sound to make it easier to locate an unknown AirTag during Precision Finding. The software also contains bug fixes and other improvements.

In the past, new AirTag firmware was distributed on a rolling basis over two weeks, but it appears the latest firmware is available for all AirTag 2 users immediately.

You can check your AirTag firmware by opening up the Find My app, going to the Items tab, tapping on an AirTag in the list, and tapping on the AirTag's name to see its firmware version.

There is no way to force an AirTag update, and firmware is installed over the air via a connected iPhone. To get new firmware, make sure your AirTag is within range of your iPhone, and then wait for the firmware to roll out.

Article Link: Apple Releases First Firmware Update for AirTag 2
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/03/31/airtag-2-first-firmware-update/
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  • Wow
Reactions: Z-4195
While that is a typo, it probably means that like the AirPods, it’ll update at some point while it is connected/visible on your phone.
 
rickdollar said:
“…tapping on the AirTag's name to see its firmware version."

You don’t tap on the AirTag name. You tap on “Now” below the name.
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Thank you!

I was going nuts ( I am new to AirTags ) and even the official Apple Docs (also linked in the release notes in this article) tell you tap the name and of course nothing shows up.

Thanks to your comment I was able to find the firmware version.
 
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rosenkrieger said:
Thank you!

I was going nuts ( I am new to AirTags ) and even the official Apple Docs (also linked in the release notes in this article) tell you tap the name and of course nothing shows up.

Thanks to your comment I was able to find the firmware version.
Click to expand...
Ditto! It was driving me nuts as well.

Mine seems to have the new firmware already... maybe because I had been in the "Find My" app for 15 minutes, trying to figure out where the firmware version was listed. 😛
 
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rosenkrieger said:
Showing directions right on the iPhone in which direction you need to go to find the AirTag 2 is worth it to me. Not just show "You are close" but actually show you the direction you have to go to find it makes it worth it IMHO.
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The old ones do that too, or is it just a greater distance where it activates?
 
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The second most usage for AirTags was to protect and gain access to your belongings if they get stolen. The stalking protection makes this unachievable since the AirTag now waives 'I'm here, I'm following you' to everyone. Any burglar will be rolling on the floor laughing his ass off. So millions won't be able to use AirTags for their main use case because of some using AirTags to stalk who will now use some other product to do exactly that. They became useless for me to protect my motorbike and bicycle.
 
  • Disagree
Reactions: freedomlinux
As of 4.1.26 @ 11:05AM EST, this has not been updated on either of my 4 AirTags 2...
UPDATE: at of 4.3.26 at 11:55AM EST, still not updated...
 
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breather said:
How much better is AirTag 2 vs AirTag 1, any real world experience?
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Airtag 2 is objectively inferior to Airtag 1 from my personal experience. The internals also show smaller antenna bands and Apple thinks we are fools to understand better chip will compensate for tinnier antennas. Let’s see what this new firmware does.

Stay with Airtags gen 1 for the time being.
 
I bought 2 packs of 4 AirTags 2nd gen back in the middle of March. All the AirTags from the first 4 pack updated the Tuesday then the update was released but none of the AirTags from the second 4 pack updated. On the following Friday I went back to the Apple Store where I bought them an the folks at the Genius Bar could figure out what was going on. They ended up replacing it with a new 4 pack but 36 hours later and those too haven't updated. I can't figure out what is going on.
 
On the Apple support forum I read that the update will place automatically when the tag is placed close to the device that paired it. Testing this now.
 
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I shared my items that had AirTags with my wife and then the update came through around 12 hours later.
 
WimNL said:
Still nothing here. Anyone here received updates?
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Actually no, but I haven’t left it near the iPhone. Quite strange though, that this update wasn’t announced with an email or notification (or was it?). People don’t usually keep their AirTags in near proximity of the iPhone for a long time, so there’s little chance that the update kicks in without the user actively doing their part.
 
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