Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/Apple
Say what you want about other companies that also offer trackers, but just like the Apple Watch, which dominates the smartwatch market despite not inventing this product category, the AirTag is the go-to choice for anyone looking for a tracker.
The AirTag has literally reinvented the wheel, as Bluetooth trackers have been around for a long time. Its debut three years ago was seen as a waste of time and resources by anti-Apple fanatics, and yet, the AirTag has become a must-have device for millions of people worldwide, including car owners.
Apple is now working on an improved AirTag model that'll make it the perfect choice for someone who wants to keep tabs on a vehicle from the comfort of their mobile device.
We've known for a while that the second-generation AirTag was in the works, but a new report indicates that mid-2025 is Apple's target for launching this improved model. This means Apple could take the wraps off the new AirTag by the summer of 2025 – the first AirTag launched in April 2021, so it's safe to assume that April or May 2025 could witness the debut of its successor.
Apple has already kicked off manufacturing tests with partners in Asia. The objective is to determine if manufacturers encounter production problems, with Apple closely monitoring quality and issues reported during the production phase.
The more important part of the story is the feature lineup.
The existing AirTag connects to an iPhone with the help of the U1 chip, which offers a range of approximately 10 meters. AirTags don't have built-in Internet support and use nearby iPhones to broadcast their coordinates. The U1 chip allows an AirTag to connect to an iPhone closer than 10 meters.
Apple wasn't necessarily satisfied with this limitation, so the second-generation AirTag is expected to come with a new chip for a significantly improved operating range. The device could come with the second-generation Ultra-Wideband chip installed on flagship products like the iPhone 15, the Apple Watch Series 9, and the Apple Watch Ultra. This would allow the device to detect an iPhone even 60 meters away from the tracker. You can imagine how useful this can be for a car owner, as stolen vehicles can be found virtually anywhere in populated areas.
This improved range won't be the only major upgrade coming to the AirTag 2. The addition of the new UWB chip means AirTags could also get Precision Finding, a feature that would allow owners and police to find stolen cars with an accuracy of three meters.
Everything is still in the rumor stage, so we should all take these tidbits with a healthy pinch of salt. The report also adds that the AirTag could add in multiple form factors and designs, but this is highly unlikely.
Apple is now working on an improved AirTag model that'll make it the perfect choice for someone who wants to keep tabs on a vehicle from the comfort of their mobile device.
We've known for a while that the second-generation AirTag was in the works, but a new report indicates that mid-2025 is Apple's target for launching this improved model. This means Apple could take the wraps off the new AirTag by the summer of 2025 – the first AirTag launched in April 2021, so it's safe to assume that April or May 2025 could witness the debut of its successor.
Apple has already kicked off manufacturing tests with partners in Asia. The objective is to determine if manufacturers encounter production problems, with Apple closely monitoring quality and issues reported during the production phase.
The more important part of the story is the feature lineup.
The existing AirTag connects to an iPhone with the help of the U1 chip, which offers a range of approximately 10 meters. AirTags don't have built-in Internet support and use nearby iPhones to broadcast their coordinates. The U1 chip allows an AirTag to connect to an iPhone closer than 10 meters.
Apple wasn't necessarily satisfied with this limitation, so the second-generation AirTag is expected to come with a new chip for a significantly improved operating range. The device could come with the second-generation Ultra-Wideband chip installed on flagship products like the iPhone 15, the Apple Watch Series 9, and the Apple Watch Ultra. This would allow the device to detect an iPhone even 60 meters away from the tracker. You can imagine how useful this can be for a car owner, as stolen vehicles can be found virtually anywhere in populated areas.
This improved range won't be the only major upgrade coming to the AirTag 2. The addition of the new UWB chip means AirTags could also get Precision Finding, a feature that would allow owners and police to find stolen cars with an accuracy of three meters.
Everything is still in the rumor stage, so we should all take these tidbits with a healthy pinch of salt. The report also adds that the AirTag could add in multiple form factors and designs, but this is highly unlikely.
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