Following concerns over AirTag misuse, Apple is set to launch its AirTag 2 later this year, featuring a threefold improvement in tracking accuracy, enhanced privacy with a tamper-resistant speaker, and integration of spatial computing technologies.
Since its introduction, Apple’s AirTag has become synonymous with the pursuit of lost items, pets, and various personal belongings. However, the tracking device has also drawn controversy due to its misuse in stalking incidents, prompting Apple to enhance its security features. As speculation mounts around a second-generation model branded as “AirTag 2,” potential upgrades and a refreshed user experience are anticipated to be on the horizon.
Reports indicate that development plans for the AirTag 2 have been simmering since last year, with an expected launch later this year. Notably, Mark Gurman, in his latest Power On newsletter via Bloomberg, highlighted that Apple is preparing to release the upgraded device by mid-year. However, he clarified that it is unlikely to coincide with the upcoming WWDC event, suggesting a separate launch schedule.
Recent industry insights have outlined three significant upgrades for the AirTag 2. Firstly, it is poised to feature a second-generation ultra-wideband (UWB) chip, expected to deliver tracking capabilities that are three times more effective than those offered by the current model. This enhancement is poised to notably improve the Precision Finding feature, enabling users to locate misplaced items with greater accuracy. Additionally, the AirTag 2 is anticipated to integrate spatial computing technology, possibly in relation to Apple’s Vision Pro headset. Lastly, the new model will incorporate a more tamper-resistant speaker, addressing safety concerns linked to privacy violations.
The legacy of Apple’s AirTags has been marked by both utility and controversy. Following their launch in April 2021, these devices quickly garnered attention not only for facilitating easy tracking but also for being exploited by malicious actors. Over the years, several lawsuits have emerged, primarily focusing on incidents of stalking facilitated by the AirTags. In response, Apple has implemented various anti-stalking features designed to alert users if an unknown tracker has been detected around them. Law enforcement agencies have also recognized the benefits of AirTags in addressing rising vehicle thefts, showcasing both sides of the device’s impact.
Despite the challenges Apple has faced, the AirTag has yielded numerous success stories, such as aiding users in recovering lost luggage or forgotten items. As Apple gears up for the release of the AirTag 2, the emphasis appears to be not only on enhancing user experience but also on bolstering safety measures, ensuring that these tracking devices are not only effective but also secure for all users.
In essence, the forthcoming AirTag 2 is set to be a significant step towards refining the user experience while doubling down on safety features, reflecting Apple’s ongoing commitment to user privacy and convenience.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.techtimes.com/articles/310675/20250608/apple-airtag-2-rumors-three-new-upgrades-expected-getting-ready-midyear-launch.htm – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.macrumors.com/2024/12/15/airtag-2-longer-range-rumor/ – Apple is reportedly planning to release a second-generation AirTag in 2025, featuring a significantly longer tracking range. The new AirTag is expected to utilise Apple’s second-generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip, which offers up to three times the range of the current model. This enhancement aims to improve the Precision Finding feature, allowing users to locate items more effectively. The updated AirTag is anticipated to be introduced around mid-2025, with no major design changes expected. The original AirTag was launched in April 2021, making the upcoming release a four-year interval.
- https://www.macrumors.com/2025/01/19/airtag-2-three-rumored-features/ – Apple’s upcoming AirTag 2, expected to launch in 2025, is rumoured to include three significant upgrades. Firstly, it will feature a second-generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip, potentially tripling the tracking range compared to the current model. Secondly, the built-in speaker is anticipated to be more tamper-resistant, enhancing safety measures. Lastly, improved integration with Apple’s Vision Pro headset is expected, though specific details remain unclear. The original AirTag was introduced in April 2021, and the AirTag 2 is projected to be released around mid-2025.
- https://www.simplymac.com/airtag/new-airtag-2-is-coming-later-this-year – Apple is preparing to release the highly anticipated AirTag 2 in May or June 2025, marking a significant upgrade to its popular item-tracking device. The second-generation AirTag promises not just evolutionary improvements but also new features that could reshape how users interact with Apple’s growing ecosystem. While Apple remains tight-lipped, credible sources, including renowned leakers and reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, have revealed several exciting enhancements, including an upgraded Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip, enhanced privacy and anti-stalking measures, and potential integration with Apple’s Vision Pro headset.
- https://www.tuaw.com/2025/02/25/apple-may-launch-second-gen-airtag-by-mid-2025/ – Apple is reportedly preparing to launch its second-generation AirTag as early as May or June 2025. A leak from an Apple prototype collector, Kosutami, suggests the updated tracking device could hit the market within the next few months. However, Apple has not officially confirmed the release date. The second-generation AirTag is expected to come with several enhancements, including extended tracking range, possibly increasing Ultra-Wideband (UWB) support from 100 feet to nearly 295 feet, and a louder speaker to make it easier to find misplaced AirTags. Battery life is another area of potential improvement, allowing users to go longer between replacements.
- https://www.macrumors.com/guide/airtags-2/ – Apple’s upcoming AirTag 2 is expected to feature several enhancements, including a second-generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip for longer tracking range, a more tamper-resistant built-in speaker as an anti-stalking measure, and improved integration with Apple’s Vision Pro headset. The AirTag 2 is anticipated to be introduced around mid-2025, with no major design changes expected. The original AirTag was launched in April 2021, making the upcoming release a four-year interval.
- https://www.macrumors.com/2024/11/24/airtag-2-mid-2025-rumor/ – Apple is reportedly working on a new AirTag, code-named B589, for release around the middle of next year. The new AirTag is expected to feature an upgraded chip with improved location tracking, potentially utilising the second-generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip that debuted in iPhone 15 models. The built-in speaker is also anticipated to be more difficult to remove, serving as an anti-stalking measure. The AirTag 2 is expected to look similar to the current model, with no major design changes anticipated. The original AirTag was announced in April 2021, making the upcoming release a four-year interval.
