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How to tell the difference between AirTag 2 and the original AirTag

There’s a new AirTag in town, but you might not know it based on the official product name. Fortunately, there’s a way to distinguish between old and new AirTags.

While we’re going with AirTag 2 to protect our and your sanity, Apple is using “the new AirTag” and “AirTag (2nd Generation)” in places where it doesn’t just say AirTag.

Retailers like Amazon are helpfully labeling the original AirTag as “Apple AirTag (1st Generation)” for shoppers.

If you’re unsure which generation AirTag you’re working with, however, you can look at the etchings along the back.

Apple features the back prominently on the front of AirTag product packaging, and you can look directly at the back if the AirTag is out of its packaging.

If it’s an AirTag 1, the back will say: AirTag / Designed by Apple in California / Assembled in China / Bluetooth LE / Ultra Wideband.

If it’s an AirTag 2, the back will say: AirTag / FIND MY / NFC / BLUETOOTH LE / ULTRA WIDEBAND / IP67 / APPLE INC.

If it’s ALL CAPS, it’s NEW. If it’s not, it’s not.

If you’re shopping for an AirTag and want to be sure you’re buying the latest model, check the etching to be certain. If you’re fine with the first-gen version, just make sure you’re paying less than the $29 retail price for the new model.

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Avatar for Zac Hall Zac Hall

Zac covers Apple news, hosts the 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcast, and created SpaceExplored.com.