Apple’s first AirTag upgrade is another step closer to launch, with the tracking tags reportedly progressing to “manufacturing tests.” The company apparently plans to launch the second-gen AirTags in mid-2025.
Codenamed B589, the new AirTags reportedly will look the same but provide increased range and improved privacy features.
AirTag 2 might feature a more tamper-proof design
Apple launched the AirTag in April 2021. Despite being more than 3.5 years old, the tracking tags remain far superior to most other options on the market. AirTag stands out for its long battery life and how it seamlessly takes advantage of Apple’s Find My network. But Cupertino is not sitting on its laurels. Instead, it plans to launch AirTags 2 “around the middle of next year,” says Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman in the latest edition of his Power On newsletter.
He says the new AirTag will retain the same design as the current model. However, internal changes will make it difficult to remove the tracking tag’s speaker. Creeps often sell “silent AirTags” with disabled speakers. That makes the tracking tags harder to find when surreptitiously placed in a bag or on a car. A more tamper-proof AirTag design should help with privacy and ensure the tracking tags are not used for unwanted stalking.
New wireless chip for longer range
Other changes include a new wireless chip for better range. Presumably, this could allow Precision Finding to work over longer distances on AirTag 2. An August 2023 report said the AirTag 2 could feature AR capabilities to make finding lost items easier.
Apple should have a busy 2025, with several major product launches on the horizon. The company plans to launch a new wall-mounted smart home display early next year for controlling smart home devices. This is alongside the usual yearly upgrades to its Mac, iPhone and Apple Watch lineups.
