The standout upgrade for AirTag 2 is its rumored integration of a second-generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip. This is the same technology found in the iPhone 15 and Apple Watch Series 9, offering a significant leap over the original AirTag’s U1 chip. Currently, Precision Finding—the feature that guides you to your lost item with on-screen distance and direction cues—works at a range of 10 to 15 meters. The new chip could extend that to 60 meters, making it easier to locate items across larger spaces, like a crowded airport or sprawling home. For users, this means less wandering and more pinpoint accuracy, especially in tricky environments where Bluetooth alone falls short.
This extended range isn’t just about convenience; it’s a practical enhancement for real-world scenarios. Imagine tracking a suitcase that’s been misplaced in a busy terminal or finding a backpack left behind at a park. The upgraded UWB chip could turn those stressful hunts into quick recoveries, leveraging Apple’s vast Find My network of iPhones and other devices to relay precise locations over greater distances.
Anti-Stalking Measures Take Center Stage
Since its launch, the AirTag has faced scrutiny over its potential misuse for stalking, with some individuals modifying the device to disable its speaker and evade detection. Apple has responded with software updates over the years, like alerts for unknown AirTags traveling with you, but AirTag 2 is set to tackle this at the hardware level. Reports suggest the built-in speaker will be harder to remove, ensuring it can still emit a sound to alert nearby users of an unwanted tracker. This change aims to close a loophole that’s troubled privacy advocates, reinforcing Apple’s commitment to user safety without compromising the device’s core functionality.
For legitimate users, this tweak won’t alter the experience much—playing a sound to locate a nearby AirTag remains a handy feature. But for those worried about illicit tracking, it’s a step toward peace of mind, making it tougher for bad actors to exploit the technology silently.
A Mid-2025 Arrival on the Horizon
Timing-wise, AirTag 2 is pegged for a release around May or June 2025, aligning with earlier predictions from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and leaker Kosutami. This mid-year launch could coincide with Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), a platform often used to unveil new hardware alongside software updates. While the original AirTag hit shelves in April 2021, the shift to mid-2025 suggests Apple is taking its time to perfect this refresh, possibly syncing it with other ecosystem advancements.
Manufacturing tests are reportedly underway with Apple’s partners in Asia, a sign that production is ramping up. Codenamed B589, the AirTag 2 has moved beyond the rumor stage into tangible progress, hinting at a polished product ready to meet demand by summer.
What Won’t Change—and What Might
Don’t expect a radical redesign. The AirTag’s small, coin-like form factor is likely to stick around, keeping it easy to slip into wallets, attach to keychains, or tuck into luggage. Its simplicity is part of its appeal, and Apple seems keen to preserve that. The replaceable CR2032 battery, which lasts about a year, is also expected to remain, despite some users hoping for a rechargeable option. Competitors like Tile offer slimmer trackers, but Apple’s focus on Precision Finding—exclusive to its UWB tech—keeps the AirTag’s size tied to its current battery needs.
One wildcard is potential integration with Apple Vision Pro, a mixed-reality headset that’s struggled to gain traction. Rumors from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo have floated the idea of AirTag 2 enhancing spatial computing, perhaps aiding in 3D location tracking. However, with Vision Pro’s slow sales, this feature feels like a long shot—more of a niche experiment than a core selling point.
Why It Matters to Users
For the millions who’ve embraced AirTags to track everyday essentials, AirTag 2 promises to double down on what works: reliable, network-powered location finding with a few smart upgrades. The extended range could make it a must-have for frequent travelers or anyone prone to losing gear in big spaces. Meanwhile, the anti-stalking fix addresses a real concern, ensuring the device remains a tool for convenience, not a vector for harm.
At $29 for a single unit or $99 for a four-pack, the current AirTag is affordable and often discounted. Pricing for AirTag 2 remains unconfirmed, but a slight bump wouldn’t surprise given the new chip and hardware tweaks. For now, it’s a waiting game until mid-2025, when Apple’s next tracker could redefine how we keep track of our stuff.
