AirTag 2: what’s known about Apple’s new tracker
By ForGeeks It’s been four years since the original AirTag was released – and according to leaks, Apple is finally preparing its successor. Rumor has it that the next generation of the branded tags will be unveiled in mid-2025, presumably during the WWDC conference. And while there’s no official word yet, insiders are already sharing the first details, from improved security to extended range.
AirTag 2, like its predecessor, will be designed to track personal items via the Find My app: whether it’s keys, wallet, or luggage while traveling. But amid competition from Samsung, Tile, and even Google, which recently launched its own Find My Device, Apple simply can’t afford not to update the gadget.
Appearance: minimal changes
In all likelihood, the AirTag 2 will retain the signature compact and round design, a distinctive element of the original model. There’s been no credible evidence of major changes to the shape, and while users have asked for a built-in lug for attaching to keys or a flatter body (like the Tile and Chipolo counterparts), Apple is unlikely to go down that path.
The new tracker will most likely use a replaceable 3 volt CR2032 battery again. However, there are rumors that the company may make changes to the battery pack: the issue is that current models sometimes don’t work with batteries coated with a protective bitterant coating. Perhaps the new version will fix that incompatibility.
Technical Features and Tracking Protection
Much more interesting are the changes «under the hood». According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is prepping the AirTag 2 with improved tampering protection – we’re talking anti-snooping. Despite the built-in beeps, the original AirTag was easily turned into a surveillance tool: all you had to do was turn off the speaker. With the new version, Apple will allegedly make it harder to access the speaker so it can’t be neutralized so easily.
Support for the second-generation Ultra Wideband chip is also expected the kind already used in the iPhone 15. Its key advantage is that it has a range three times longer than the first generation. This means that it will be possible to search for lost items at a much greater distance. In addition, there’s likely to be a new wireless module for more precise positioning.
Vision Pro integration and spatial technologies
One of the most intriguing speculations is the possible integration of the AirTag 2 with the augmented reality headset Apple Vision Pro. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that the second-generation AirTag could become part of the spatial positioning ecosystem. Exactly how this will be implemented is still unclear, but it’s possible that the tags could be visualized in space in AR mode, tracking the location of objects in real time through the headset.
How much will AirTag 2 cost?
There’s no exact pricing information yet. The original AirTag costs $29 each or $99 for a set of four. Unless Apple makes drastic changes to the design and function of the device, the price tag is likely to stay the same. However, there could be fluctuations due to customs duties and unstable logistics.
When to expect a release?
According to various insiders, AirTag 2 is scheduled for release in mid-2025 -the most likely window being May or June. That makes sense, given that the annual WWDC conference is usually held in June, and Apple traditionally uses the event to announce new devices and platforms.
