iFixit Teardown Reveals AirTag 2 Speaker Can Still Be Disabled [Video]

iFixit put the new AirTag 2 under the knife today to test a persistent rumor: did Apple finally make it impossible to mute the speaker? While the updated tracker packs better range and a louder speaker, the teardown shows that silencing the device is just as possible as before.

Visually, the new AirTag is effectively identical to its predecessor. X-ray imaging and physical inspection confirmed that the dimensions and the locking mechanism for the stainless steel battery cover have not changed. Apple has retained the standard user-replaceable CR2032 battery. iFixit praised the decision, noting that it helps ensure the device remains functional for years, unlike accessories with sealed batteries.


Getting inside the unit remains difficult without causing cosmetic damage. The housing is held together by three plastic clips that are prone to breaking when prying the white plastic cap away from the grey body. Once opened, the layout reveals a new, larger speaker mechanism centered in the chassis, connected to the board by two fine wires.

The teardown specifically addressed rumors that Apple had engineered the new AirTag to detect if the speaker was disconnected—a modification that has been used both to evade unwanted alerts and for malicious stalking. iFixit severed the speaker wires to test if the device would recognize the drop in impedance or lack of vibration and disable itself. The modified AirTag continued to function normally, pairing with an iPhone and reporting its location without issue. This aligns with findings from an earlier teardown that suggested the speaker can still be removed or disabled without bricking the accessory.

On the logic board, iFixit identified an upgraded Nordic Semiconductor system-on-chip handling Bluetooth and NFC duties, alongside Apple's custom U2 Ultra Wideband chip. This silicon enables the expanded Precision Finding capabilities touted at launch, though the feature requires an iPhone 15 or newer to function. The board also houses a MEMS accelerometer and various passive components, tightly packed into the circular frame.

You can track AirPods 2 price history and set price alerts using the iClarified Apple Price Tracker.


Take a look at the full teardown video below...