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What will Apple bring with the next-generation AirTag 2?
Three years have passed since Apple first introduced the world to AirTags, and Apple’s “Find My…” technology was a big hit.
The original discreet tech accessory offered a quick and easy way to track items from their iPhones. Apple users attached AirTags to everything from luggage to pets and even their children.
We know a fair bit about what to expect for AirTags 2, including plans to make the in-built speaker more tamper-proof. Let’s track the expected changes.
What is AirTag 2?
The first generation of AirTag floats constantly between Amazon’s #1 and #2 bestselling electronics item.
Considering that Apple does not allow third-party trackers to be compatible with its “Find My” network, the tech giant has cornered the market for iPhone users.
However, rising user expectations and new competition mean that Apple needs to release an improved second generation that will fix some of the biggest gripes.
For example, the current AirTag battery only lasts about a year, and users then need to pick up a CR2032 3-volt coin battery to keep the tracker active.
AirTag 2 Release Date
Expected: Mid-2025
The Apple AirTag 2 release date is expected to be mid-2025, which means the second generation will arrive four years after the AirTag’s first debut.
In November 2024, Mark Gurman, in his insider-based?PowerOn Newsletter, backed up his previous claim that the AirTag 2 will arrive in mid-2025.
He said:
“Apple gears up to launch a new AirTag four years after the first model. In May, I reported that Apple is working on a new AirTag — code-named B589 — for release around the middle of next year.
“That accessory has now progressed in manufacturing tests, and Apple is getting ready to bring it to market. I’m told the new version will look similar to the current model, but offer better range, bolster the onboard wireless chip and improve privacy.”
We explore the rest of Gurman’s claims further down.
Expected AirTag 2 Spec & Features
New Ultra-Wideband Chip
The AirTag 2 is expected to feature an updated ultra-wideband chip, the same one found in iPhones and Apple watches.
While the current AirTags only work over a distance of around 10 meters, the second generation of Apple’s UWB chip works over much longer distances of up to 60 meters. This would allow Apple’s new feature, precision finding, to work on the AirTag 2.
Updated Bluetooth
Updated Bluetooth is another safe prediction to a recent version to ensure a stronger connection with the AirTag 2. Bluetooth 5.4 has been out since 2023, which helps low-power devices operate for longer.
Louder, Tampoer-proof Speaker
Consider this more of a request than a known improvement, but most AirTag users will appreciate a louder speaker to help them find their device more easily.
However, Gurman, in his November newsletter, also said Apple had taken steps to stop an unintended malicious use-case of Apple AirTags — the ability to stalk people.
“[Improvements] include making it more difficult for someone to remove the speaker from the AirTag. Since the device launched in 2021, some people have unfortunately used the product as a tool for stalking — and removing the speaker makes it less likely for someone to discover a hidden AirTag.
“Apple is contending with lawsuits over the device, and it’s in everyone’s interest to make the new model more tamper-proof.”
New AirTag Colors & Sizes?
One of the biggest frustrations with AirTags is the need for accessories to find the best way to attach your trackers.
Many users ask for different shapes and sizes, like a wallet-friendly credit card-sized version of the AirTag or a keyring hole to make their lives easier.
Others wish for a range of different colors. However, we need to find out whether Apple has heard the calls to solve these admittedly first-world problems.
AirTag 2 vs AirTag: What We Expect
| Feature | AirTag | AirTag 2 (Rumored) |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Ultra-Wideband Chip 1 | Ultra-Wideband Chip 2 |
| Range | 10 meters indoors and about 30 meters outdoors | Increased range to a maximum distance of 50-60 meters |
| Size | 31.9mm diameter | Possibly smaller. Rumours of a cheaper wallet-sized version |
| Battery | User-replaceable CR2032 coin cell battery | Slight improvement, but unlikely to be rechargeable |
| Improvements
|
N/A | Louder, tamper-proof speaker, improved location tracking, and enhanced safety features. |
AirTag 2 Price
Expected Price: $29
The first generation of Apple AirTag’s price is $29, and we expect AirTag 2 to be similarly priced when released in 2025.
Should I wait for AirTag 2?
Cheaper AirTag vs. Next Generation AirTag 2
AirTags are relatively simple products that don’t need any significant upgrades. They function perfectly for the most part. With rumors of a large inventory of older AirTags still needing to be sold, we suspect we will see many special offers for AirTags under $10 during the holiday season.
Rather than waiting a year for Apple AirTag 2 to appear with minor improvements, it might be worth looking for bargain prices for the original AirTags.
The Bottom Line
The new Apple AirTag will likely consist of a few incremental updates, such as a better battery, louder speaker, the latest UWB chip, enhanced safety features, and improved location tracking.
Although it’s nothing to get too excited about, these should provide enough improvements to keep AirTag at the top of Amazon’s electronic sales list for the foreseeable future.
