Despite its success, the device hasn’t received any hardware updates since its debut. However, rumors are swirling about a second-generation AirTag slated for release in 2025. With reports suggesting upgraded features and enhanced integration, the new AirTag could set a new standard for item tracking.
Let’s explore the details and expectations surrounding this much-anticipated device.
A Timeline for the Next AirTag
Apple has taken its time to develop the next version of the AirTag, and the timeline has shifted over the past year.
Mid-2025 Launch
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is planning to launch the second-generation AirTag around mid-2025. This aligns with his earlier reports from May 2023, where he revealed that the new AirTag—code-named B589—was in early development. Since then, manufacturing tests have progressed, signaling that the accessory is moving closer to market readiness.
Production Delays
Renowned Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo echoed similar sentiments, stating that mass production of the new AirTag was delayed. Initially expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2024, production is now slated for some point in 2025. While Kuo did not specify the reasons for the delay, it’s clear that Apple is prioritizing meticulous development over rushing to meet an earlier timeline.
Both Gurman and Kuo’s predictions indicate that Apple is firmly focused on a mid-2025 release window, providing time for the company to refine the product and ensure it meets consumer expectations.
What to Expect: Upgraded Features and Capabilities
Although the first-generation AirTag is already a reliable tracker, Apple seems poised to take its functionality to new heights. Reports suggest that the second-generation model will introduce several noteworthy improvements while retaining the core design that users know and appreciate.
Enhanced Location Tracking with a New Chip
The next AirTag is expected to feature an upgraded chip, likely the second-generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip that debuted in the iPhone 15 lineup. This advanced chip could significantly improve location accuracy, making it even easier to find misplaced items.
The current AirTag’s Precision Finding feature, which relies on UWB technology, is already one of its standout capabilities. With the new chip, this feature could become even more powerful, providing quicker and more precise location data, especially in complex environments.
Better Range for Precision Finding
One of the most exciting rumors is that the new AirTag will offer improved range. This enhancement could allow the Precision Finding feature to work over longer distances, reducing the frustration of trying to locate an item that’s farther away or in a different room.
For users who rely on AirTags to track high-value items or pets, this improvement could be a game-changer.
Anti-Stalking Measures with a Redesigned Speaker
Apple has been proactive in addressing privacy and safety concerns with AirTags, particularly regarding their misuse for stalking. The second-generation AirTag is expected to take these measures a step further. According to Gurman, the new model will feature a built-in speaker that’s more difficult to remove. This change aims to prevent bad actors from tampering with the device to silence alerts, making it harder for AirTags to be used maliciously.
By doubling down on safety, Apple is demonstrating its commitment to protecting users while maintaining the utility of the AirTag.
Vision Pro Integration
Perhaps the most intriguing rumor is that the new AirTag will integrate with Apple’s Vision Pro headset. While details remain sparse, this integration could open up new possibilities for augmented reality applications. For example, the Vision Pro headset might allow users to visualize the precise location of an AirTag in their environment through an immersive AR experience.
This potential feature underscores Apple’s broader vision of creating a seamlessly interconnected ecosystem where devices enhance one another’s capabilities.
Design: Familiar Yet Refined
Don’t expect the second-generation AirTag to look dramatically different from its predecessor. Gurman has stated that the new model will maintain a design similar to the current version, which is simple, sleek, and highly functional.
While the exterior might not change much, the internal upgrades are where the real innovation lies. By focusing on performance enhancements and safety features, Apple appears to be prioritizing function over form—a sensible approach for a device that’s meant to blend seamlessly into users’ daily lives.
Why the AirTag Matters
The AirTag has carved out a unique niche in Apple’s product lineup, appealing to a broad range of users who want a reliable way to keep track of their belongings. Its integration with the Find My app and support for UWB technology set it apart from competitors.
For those who frequently lose items like keys, wallets, or bags, the AirTag is more than a convenience—it’s a lifesaver. The ability to locate lost items with precision and ease is invaluable, and the device’s small size and affordability make it accessible to a wide audience.
With the rumored improvements in the second-generation AirTag, Apple seems poised to reinforce its position as a leader in the item-tracking space. Enhanced range, better location tracking, and advanced safety measures will likely appeal to both current users and newcomers alike.
How Apple Addresses Privacy Concerns
Since its launch, the AirTag has faced criticism over privacy issues, particularly concerning unauthorized tracking. Apple has taken several steps to mitigate these concerns, including software updates and proactive safety alerts.
The addition of a more secure built-in speaker in the second-generation model demonstrates Apple’s continued commitment to addressing these issues. By making the speaker harder to remove, the company is helping to ensure that AirTags cannot be easily repurposed for nefarious purposes.
These efforts reflect Apple’s broader emphasis on user privacy and safety, which have become defining features of its brand.
The Role of the Ultra Wideband Chip
The second-generation UWB chip, rumored to power the new AirTag, represents a significant technological advancement. UWB technology enables precise spatial awareness by measuring the time it takes for radio signals to travel between devices.
This capability is what makes the AirTag’s Precision Finding feature so effective, allowing users to locate their items with directional cues and distance measurements. By upgrading to the latest UWB chip, Apple is ensuring that the AirTag remains at the cutting edge of tracking technology.
What Vision Pro Integration Could Mean
The potential integration of the AirTag with Apple’s Vision Pro headset is a fascinating prospect. While details are scarce, it’s easy to imagine how this could work. For instance, the Vision Pro could display a virtual marker indicating the location of an AirTag, making it even easier to find lost items.
This integration would not only enhance the AirTag’s functionality but also highlight the interconnected nature of Apple’s ecosystem. As the Vision Pro becomes more prevalent, its ability to work seamlessly with other Apple devices could become a key selling point.
Anticipation Builds for 2025
While 2025 may seem like a long way off, the anticipation for the second-generation AirTag is already building. With reports of advanced features, improved safety measures, and potential Vision Pro integration, the new AirTag has the potential to elevate Apple’s item-tracking ecosystem to new heights.
For now, Apple fans will have to wait and see how the rumors unfold. As the launch date approaches, more details are likely to emerge, offering a clearer picture of what the next-generation AirTag will bring to the table.