AirTag 2: Tracking the Next Generation of Apple’s Locator (2025)
Launched in April 2021, Apple’s AirTag has become a popular solution for keeping track of belongings. Now, over three years later, whispers of a second-generation AirTag are circulating, promising enhanced functionality and performance. Here’s a look at what we know so far about the anticipated AirTag 2.
Projected Launch: Mid-2025
While initial rumors suggested a late 2024 release, respected industry analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo and Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman now concur on a mid-2025 launch window. Gurman’s November 2024 Power On newsletter confirmed the device, codenamed B589, is undergoing manufacturing tests, signaling an imminent market arrival. This aligns with Kuo’s earlier reports of a production shift to 2025.
Enhanced Tracking and Security
Gurman anticipates the AirTag 2 will boast a more advanced chip, likely Apple’s second-generation U1 Ultra Wideband chip, first seen in the iPhone 15 series. This upgrade promises more precise location tracking and potentially extended range for the Precision Finding feature. Addressing security concerns, the new iteration is also rumored to have a tamper-resistant speaker, making it more difficult to disable and thus mitigating potential misuse for stalking.
Design and Power: Familiar Territory
Despite the internal enhancements, Gurman predicts the AirTag 2 will retain a similar form factor to its predecessor. Don’t expect a radical redesign. Furthermore, a recent update from Gurman confirms the AirTag 2 will continue to utilize a coin cell battery, rather than adopting rechargeable technology.
Vision Pro Integration: A Glimpse into the Future?
Intriguingly, Kuo hinted at potential integration between the AirTag 2 and Apple’s Vision Pro headset. While specifics remain scarce, this suggests exciting possibilities for augmented reality experiences and locating lost items within a virtual environment. This synergy could redefine how we interact with our belongings in the future.
