New AirTag's Improved Precision Finding Requires These iPhone Models

[MacRumors]

The new AirTag that Apple unveiled today features a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, enabling the Precision Finding feature to work up to 50% farther away from an item compared to the previous AirTag, according to Apple. However, you need a compatible iPhone model in order to take advantage of this improvement.

The improved Precision Finding requires one of these iPhone models:

• 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

Precision Finding at longer distances is limited to the iPhone models listed above because both the AirTag and the iPhone need Apple's second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, which was introduced starting with the iPhone 15 series.

Note that the lower-end iPhone 16e does not have a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip.

Precision Finding at the previous distances is still supported on the iPhone 11 and newer.

Precision Finding can lead you to the exact location of an item with an AirTag attached to it, by showing you a directional arrow and your distance away from the item on your iPhone's screen. Starting with watchOS 26.2.1, you can also use Precision Finding on an Apple Watch Series 9 and later or Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later to find an AirTag 2.

Precision Finding on the Apple Watch does not work with the original AirTag.

The new AirTag also has an upgraded Bluetooth chip for improved overall range outside of Precision Finding mode, with an iPhone 11 or newer.

The new AirTag is available to order on Apple.com and in the Apple Store app starting today, and it will be available at Apple Store locations later this week. In the U.S., pricing remains set at $29 for one AirTag and at $99 for four.

Article Link: New AirTag's Improved Precision Finding Requires These iPhone Models

 

[xmach]

what version of Bluetooth does the new AirTag use? 5.3? 6.x?

 

[Hank001]

Hmm, used the AirTag in my saddle bag on my road bike, but never actually used it. After I got a flat I saw the AirTag was corroded, and tossed it away. Never used the other 3 in the multipack.

You guys use it though?

 

[Nozgog]

what version of Bluetooth does the new AirTag use? 5.3? 6.x?

That’s exactly what I’m wondering as well - what Bluetooth version did the 1st gen use?

 

[963852741]

Of course it does. Wouldn't expect anything else.

 

[9640418]

AirTag is a game changer for luggage, especially if you travel internationally. Don’t leave home without it

 

[helmsc]

That’s exactly what I’m wondering as well - what Bluetooth version did the 1st gen use?

Looks like 1st gen used either 5.0 or 5.3 depending on chip firmware (per iFixit, it uses a nRF52832 chip).

 

[sugilbert]

FINALLY!! I've been waiting forever!!

 

[N0ughtsAndCr0sses]

Well I bought one, but where’s the 26.2.1? Ahahah

 

[RowellE]

I just wish it would update the location frequently. Been using it to track my mom who has brain issues and need to track her when she's out. Sometimes it won't update for over an hour.

 

[svish]

Good thing to keep in mind. Except the 16e, all iPhones from 2015 onwards are supported in this case. But generally, the normal precision finding itself should be enough.

 

[noraa]

Of course people use it. Apple wouldn’t keep selling them nor would it release a new version if people weren’t using them.

I have AirTags in both my suitcases, backpack, car, electric scooter, keys and a FindMy compatible tracker for my wallet.

I actually was able to recover my scooter when it was stolen specifically because I hid an AirTag on it.

 

[tonywalker23]

Hmm, used the AirTag in my saddle bag on my road bike, but never actually used it. After I got a flat I saw the AirTag was corroded, and tossed it away. Never used the other 3 in the multipack.

You guys use it though?

my keys. my wife’s keys. my daughter’s keys. my backpack. my son’s backpack. two son’s wallets. that’s all shared in the family find my. and then on their own devices the two boys have the the older AirPods with a case that has an AirTag slot on it.

however, nothing compares to the living room apple tv remote. it has a big piece of cardboard taped to it with a piece of elastic string hanging off of the cardboard. it is the most lost item we have I think. even with the find my for the remote, that doesn’t help get your hand behind or inside the couch. since I taped the big piece of cardboard to it, we haven’t lost it.

 

[Petey07]

Hmm, used the AirTag in my saddle bag on my road bike, but never actually used it. After I got a flat I saw the AirTag was corroded, and tossed it away. Never used the other 3 in the multipack.

You guys use it though?

Indeed, we make use of them—affixed to our keys, fastened upon my pup’s collar, and discreetly tucked into luggage, purses, and backpacks. Only what is strictly necessary.

Are they employed often? Hardly. Yet when circumstance demands it, the assurance they provide is most welcome.

I remain undecided as to acquiring the newer AirTags; however, for my pup & luggage during travel, I would be inclined to invest in the updated models. One can only hope Apple may one day grace us with a thinner, wallet-style design—an innovation both elegant and practical.

 

[CarAnalogy]

what version of Bluetooth does the new AirTag use? 5.3? 6.x?

Apple doesn’t say on their tech specs about it.

I’m guessing 6 since one of its main features is location finding at greater distance.

 

[dominiongamma]

FINALLY!! I've been waiting forever!!

MacRumors can start the gen 3 rumors now 😛

 

[Johnny907]

*Laughs in iPhone 14 and AW Series 8*
Whatever, Apple.

 

[bradman83]

I just wish it would update the location frequently. Been using it to track my mom who has brain issues and need to track her when she's out. Sometimes it won't update for over an hour.

Does she also have an iPhone? AirTags (or any other Find My item) can't update if they're not near an internet-connected Apple device that can report the location back to the cloud. If your mom is going to places where there aren't a lot of people nearby (or an Android users club) and doesn't have an iPhone of her own that would be why they're not updating.

 

[pp_amorim]

What's the point of that, the current generation of airtag works pretty well for this function.

 

[xmach]

Apple doesn’t say on their tech specs about it.

I’m guessing 6 since one of its main features is location finding at greater distance.

Perhaps, but then location finding at greater distance would require an iPhone that supports Bluetooth 6.0 (i.e. iPhone 17 or iPhone Air), and that doesn't seem to be the case. So maybe the new AirTag uses BT6, but if so there's some other factor that accounts for its increased range.

 

[swrobel]

location finding at greater distance would require an iPhone that supports Bluetooth 6.0 (i.e. iPhone 17 or iPhone Air)

On a related note, is BT6 the reason that the increased precision finding range on the AirPods Pro 3 requires an iPhone 17-gen device?

 

[erihp]

On a related note, is BT6 the reason that the increased precision finding range on the AirPods Pro 3 requires an iPhone 17-gen device?

Precision finding uses UWB not Bluetooth.

 

[swrobel]

Precision finding uses UWB not Bluetooth.

That’s what I figured, so for the life of me, I can’t figure out why the improved AirPods Pro 3 finding is restricted from older iPhones.

 

[Beerstalker]

I just wish it would update the location frequently. Been using it to track my mom who has brain issues and need to track her when she's out. Sometimes it won't update for over an hour.

An Apple Watch with cellular service would probably be a better option for something like this. Turn off the always on display and wake on raise features to extend battery life and it will probably last 3-4 days at a time between charges.