iFixIt Teardown Reveals Apple AirTag 2 Speakers Are Not “Tamper Proof”

Just a few days have elapsed since the launch of Apple’s latest device, the AirTag 2, and tech enthusiasts are already diving deep into its functionality.iFixIt has conducted a comprehensive teardown that sheds light on several compelling features and design choices made by Apple for this new coin-sized tracker.

Insights from iFixIt: Understanding the AirTag 2

The teardown analysis from iFixIt has unveiled some unexpected findings regarding the AirTag 2:

The device lacks a tamper-proof design, much to the surprise of many.
It’s feasible to entirely disable the speaker without compromising the device’s overall functionality.
iFixIt noted that “the easiest way to non-destructively disable that speaker would be to remove the two wires with a soldering iron.”
The teardown also highlights an upgraded System on a Chip (SoC) alongside the newly integrated U2 Ultra Wideband chip.

Key Specifications of the New AirTag

For those unfamiliar with the advancements, here are the key specifications of the AirTag 2:

The incorporation of a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, identical to that used in the latest iPhone 17 range, iPhone Air, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple Watch Series 11, enhances location accuracy significantly.
An improved Bluetooth chip extends the operational range, making it easier to locate lost items.
Precision Finding has been enhanced, now providing haptic, visual, and audio cues to guide users to misplaced items from distances up to 50 percent greater than its predecessor, although this feature necessitates an iPhone 15 or above, excluding the iPhone 16e.
Precision Finding can also be utilized with Apple Watch Series 9 or later, as well as the Apple Watch Ultra 2 or newer, provided they run on watchOS 26.2.1. Notably, this functionality does not extend to previous AirTag models.
The updated design allows the AirTag 2 to be 50 percent louder, enabling users to hear alerts from twice the distance compared to earlier versions.
To address privacy concerns, Apple asserts that the AirTag includes “a suite of industry-first protections against unwanted tracking, ”featuring cross-platform alerts and frequently changing unique Bluetooth identifiers.

The Apple AirTag 2 continues to be available at an attractive price point of $29, with an option to purchase a four-pack for $99, ensuring budget-conscious consumers have a versatile tracking solution.

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