Apple just announced a new AirTag — but it’s still lacking features found on my favorite Bluetooth tracker

Apple launched the original AirTags nearly five years ago, bringing Bluetooth-powered item trackers into the mainstream. Despite some privacy and security issues encountered along the way, the product has been hugely popular with consumers. Because who doesn’t want a simple, cost-effective way to locate lost keys, suitcases, and more?

After a long wait, today Apple finally launched new AirTags, promising louder alerts, longer range, and more powerful pinpointing. Just as attractive, the prices remain unchanged: $29 for a single piece and $99 for a pack of four. You can order the new AirTags directly from Apple starting today, and presumably later this week from Amazon and other stores.

Until then, though, please consider waiting for my review, which should be completed in a few days. In the meantime, please know this: At first glance, I’m…underwhelmed.

That’s not to say AirTag 2’s improvements aren’t welcome, but they just don’t go far enough. I say this after testing the best Bluetooth trackers recently, several of which were better than AirTags in almost every way.

Here’s what we didn’t get from Apple:

• Two-way tracking: I’ve raved about Tile trackers for years because they can be used to find a lost phone, not just the other way around. Recently, trackers from Chipolo and Pebbblebee added this functionality while retaining compatibility with Apple’s Find My network. I live with a guy who often leaves his phone at home. That’s why she only uses two-way trackers, not AirTags. For me, this was the biggest disappointment of the AirTag 2 launch.

• Keychain hole: If you want to attach the new AirTags to a keychain, backpack, or anything else, you’ll still need to buy a keyring holder or similar accessory. I understand Apple is trying to keep the design simple, but AirTag is pretty much a keychain accessory by definition. Almost all competing products have built-in holes, rings, etc.

• Rechargeable battery: A new AirTag will last up to a year on a CR2032 battery, but when that time is up, you’ll have to throw it away and replace it with a new one. Meanwhile, most other trackers can be charged via USB-C or Qi wireless charging.

• Wallet friendly version: AirTags fit nicely in wallets, but they don’t work in wallets. Several other companies have developed card-sized trackers designed specifically for this purpose. (You can read about my favorites in the above story about the best trackers.) The AirTag 2 has the same dimensions as its predecessor; it’s also not wallet-friendly.

• No emergency assistance function: My current favorite tracker, the Pebblebee Clip 5, doubles as an emergency beacon. Press eight times quickly, and it sounds an audible alert, flashes an LED, and sends an alert to a designated contact (assuming your phone is within range). These are also available at no additional cost.

Let’s also not forget that AirTags are not compatible with Android phones. (They can detect the presence of AirTags to prevent someone from covertly tracking you, but you can’t use them to find AirTags.)

Still, I won’t make a final judgment until I’m able to test the new AirTags. I’m very interested to know how the Bluetooth range compares and measures the decibel levels of the upgraded speakers.

Now, however, if I had a choice between the $29 AirTag 2 and the $35 Pebblebee Clip 5, I’d choose the latter.