Second generation Apple AirTag: improvements in design and functionality

The second generation of Apple’s object tracker is just around the corner, and it looks like the new version will get a few key improvements. In the latest edition of his PowerOn newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that AirTag 2 is already in the «production testing» stage.

And it looks like the new version of the tracker is on its way.

New design and improved features

From a design perspective, the new product will be similar to the current model, but with updated internal components. One of the most notable changes is making it harder to access the speaker built into the tracker. This speaker emits a beeping sound that helps the owner locate the tracker, and also alerts bystanders if an unfamiliar AirTag moves with them. This is designed to protect against abuse of the system, such as stalking.

In 2022, platforms such as eBay and Etsy began selling «silent» AirTags that had the speaker removed, allowing the devices to be used for tracking. To counter this, Apple released «notification with sound display» which notifies a person on a phone screen if an AirTag is nearby but can’t make a sound due to tampering.

An alert with sound display» that notifies a person on a phone screen if an AirTag is nearby but can’t make a sound due to tampering.

Improved privacy and expanded tracking range

The Gurman report also mentions privacy improvements, but without detail. Since the release of AirTags, the company has been actively addressing privacy vulnerabilities that have been used for a variety of abuses.

More importantly, the second generation of AirTag will have an extended tracking range. The current version uses Bluetooth with a range of about 10 meters, or 30 feet. By comparison, the Samsung Galaxy Smart Tag 2 has a range of 120 meters.

By comparison, the Samsung Galaxy Smart Tag 2 has a range of 120 meters.

New chip and release date

According to information, the second version of the AirTag will feature an updated wireless chip. The first version used the U1 chip, which supports Ultra Wideband and precise location detection. The next generation is expected to get improvements in this area.

The second version of the AirTag is expected to have an updated wireless chip.

There’s no word yet on possible changes to the battery life or price of the device, but the AirTag 2 is expected to launch next year.

So far, there’s no word on possible changes to the battery life or price of the device.