Apple announced an updated AirTag on 26 January 2026, Gazeta.ru reported.
The January hardware update
- Apple specified a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip and upgraded Bluetooth hardware.
- The company retained the previous form factor and compatibility with existing AirTag accessories.
Earlier sharing functionality
On 11 November 2024, Apple introduced Share Item Location in the iOS 18.2 public beta, with a subsequent free update planned for iPhone Xs and later. Its announcement described a recipient website showing an interactive map. The website would refresh when another location became available and display the latest update's timestamp. Users could generate the link on an iPhone, iPad or Mac. Airline acceptance was announced for the following months, rather than as a service already operating throughout the industry.
Earlier unwanted-tracker safeguards
On 13 May 2024, Apple and Google announced implementation of their Detecting Unwanted Location Trackers specification in iOS 17.5 and Android 6.0 or later. The announcement described notifications when an unknown compatible Bluetooth tracking device was observed moving with someone over time, regardless of its paired platform. It also noted that a notification could involve a borrowed item. The companies said they would continue working through the Internet Engineering Task Force to develop an official standard.
The accessory programme behind the ecosystem
Apple had opened its Find My network accessory programme to third-party manufacturers on 7 April 2021. Part of the Made for iPhone programme, it covered existing and new products. Products had to satisfy the network's privacy requirements. Approved accessories could appear in the application's Items tab and carry a compatibility badge. The first announced product categories included electric bicycles, wireless earbuds and an item finder. The same release announced a forthcoming draft specification for chipset manufacturers using Ultra Wideband technology in U1-equipped devices.
Company contact
Apple. Media inquiries: media.help@apple.com. https://www.apple.com/