According to Bloomberg, Apple is working on a second generation version of its popular and affordable item tracker, the AirTag, which initially debuted in 2021. Here’s everything what we’re expecting Apple to deliver with AirTag 2.
Upgrades
In a report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman a few weeks ago, AirTag 2 has “progressed in manufacturing tests”, and there are three key upgrades to expect:
- Better range
- Improved Wi-Fi chip
- Higher focus on privacy
The earlier two upgrades make sense, since it’s been nearly 4 years since the original AirTag debuted. However, a higher focus on privacy is an interesting one – and one that matters a lot.
In the past, people have used AirTags for stalking, and some have even modified AirTags to completely disable the built in speaker, making it harder for Apple to make targeted users aware of a nearby AirTag. Ideally, Apple will address those concerns in the next AirTag.
What not to expect
Although some people might prefer a rechargeable battery with AirTag, preventing the need to go out and buy CR2032 batteries around once a year, Gurman says this definitely is not a change we should expect with AirTag 2, and we should continue to expect user-swappable batteries:
I don’t believe there will be an AirTag that’s rechargeable anytime soon — and certainly not when the product is upgraded next year. As any AirTag user knows, the current system is a replaceable coin battery that needs to be swapped out every several months. Moving to a rechargeable battery would be tricky.
Release date
AirTag 2 is expected to release in mid 2025, according to Bloomberg:
Apple is working on a new AirTag — code-named B589 — for release around the middle of next year.
In the meanwhile, if you’re considering buying the current generation of AirTag, they’re currently on sale, with a single AirTag available for $24, and a 4-pack for $72.99. With the 4 pack, thats around $18 per AirTag!
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