Apple is reportedly preparing to release a new and improved version of its highly popular AirTag, potentially arriving around mid-2025. The second-generation AirTag, or AirTag 2, is expected to come with several notable upgrades, with the most significant being an extended tracking range. According to renowned industry analyst Mark Gurman, the AirTag 2 will feature Apple’s latest second-generation Ultra-Wideband (UWB) chip, which was first introduced in the iPhone 15 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 models. This new chip offers a significant increase in performance, allowing the AirTag 2 to provide up to three times the tracking range of the original UWB chip used in the first-generation AirTag.
With this upgraded chip, Gurman speculates that the AirTag 2 could offer a tracking range of up to 60 meters (roughly 200 feet), which is a substantial improvement over the 30-meter range of the original model. This enhanced range would make the Precision Finding feature even more useful, allowing users to locate their lost belongings with greater accuracy, especially in large spaces or crowded environments. The Precision Finding feature, which was first introduced with the iPhone 15, has been highly praised for its ability to guide users to their lost items, whether it's a set of keys in the house or a bag left behind in a busy public place. The extended range offered by the AirTag 2 would make this feature even more effective, offering greater convenience and peace of mind for those prone to misplacing items.
In addition to the range improvement, the new AirTag is expected to include a redesigned built-in speaker, which will be more securely integrated into the device to reduce safety concerns. The original AirTag’s speaker could be easily tampered with or removed, which raised alarms about potential misuse for stalking or tracking unauthorized individuals. Apple appears to be addressing these concerns with the second-generation AirTag by making the speaker more difficult to remove, ensuring that the device cannot be misused in the same way. This move will likely help reassure users and privacy advocates, as it reflects Apple’s commitment to safeguarding user security.
While the new AirTag is set to bring functional improvements and safety enhancements, it seems that the overall design of the device will remain relatively unchanged. Gurman notes that the AirTag 2 will likely retain the same compact, minimalist, circular design that made the original model so appealing to consumers. The familiar design will ensure that the new AirTag continues to seamlessly fit into the Apple ecosystem, which is known for its sleek and uniform product aesthetics. Although some had hoped for a more dramatic redesign, it appears that Apple is opting to refine the device's performance rather than alter its visual appeal significantly.
The first-generation AirTag debuted in April 2021, and by the time the second-generation version is expected to launch in mid-2025, it will have been nearly four years since the original model was introduced. During that time, the AirTag has quickly become a popular accessory for users within the Apple ecosystem, offering a simple and efficient way to track everyday items. Whether it's a set of keys, a backpack, or even a pet, the AirTag has proven to be an invaluable tool for keeping track of important belongings.
With the release of the AirTag 2, Apple is likely to build on the success of the original model, offering improvements that cater to user needs and concerns. The extended tracking range will undoubtedly appeal to those who need to locate their items over greater distances, while the enhanced security features will address privacy concerns that have been raised by some users. The second-generation AirTag will likely continue to be a go-to item tracker for those seeking a simple, effective solution that works seamlessly within the Apple ecosystem.
Though we still have some time before the AirTag 2 is expected to be officially released, the upgrades outlined in Gurman’s report make it clear that this new version will offer significant improvements in terms of both functionality and security. For those who already rely on the AirTag for item tracking, this upgrade will likely be a welcome enhancement, and those on the fence about purchasing their first AirTag may find the new version even more compelling when it finally hits the market.
As Apple continues to evolve its tracking technology, the AirTag 2 promises to provide greater accuracy, enhanced security, and better overall performance. It’s clear that Apple is committed to maintaining its competitive edge in the increasingly crowded market for personal item trackers, and with these exciting new features, the second-generation AirTag could prove to be a major step forward for the product. For now, Apple fans will have to wait and see, but if Gurman’s predictions hold true, the wait will certainly be worth it. The improved range, enhanced safety features, and familiar design should ensure that the AirTag 2 remains a top choice for users looking to keep track of their belongings with ease.
