iFixit disassembled a new AirTag and identified the previous malfunction

Fixit reveals details of AirTag 2: new components and remaining weaknesses

The team of researchers at Fixit (formerly iFixit) is back in action – the teardown of Apple’s latest tracker, the AirTag 2, followed the familiar “step‑by‑step disassembly” approach for each new gadget from the company. The results showed both expected improvements and one noticeable vulnerability.

What changed
1. Enhanced speaker

- Apple increased the volume by 50 %.
- Inside a new sound controller chip was added, but it can be disabled without losing functionality: simply desolder two thin wires that connect the speaker to the PCB (according to 9to5Mac).

2. New system chip

- A “system” IC responsible for Bluetooth and NFC operation was found on the back side of the board.

3. U2 chip for Ultra‑Wideband (UWB)

- The second‑generation Apple U2 module is included, providing more accurate navigation – the Precision Finding feature.
- However it can only be used with iPhone 15+.

What remains weak
- Protection of the audio signal: despite the increased volume and claimed “mechanisms to prevent unwanted tracking,” the sound can be turned off simply without disrupting the tracker’s operation. This is a significant security shortfall in the device’s system.

Conclusion
AirTag 2 received the expected hardware upgrades: a more powerful speaker, new chips for communication and precise positioning. Nevertheless Fixit notes that the key countermeasure against covert surveillance – the audio signal – remains vulnerable and can be easily bypassed physically.