According to Mark Gurman, a Bloomberg journalist, Apple is working on the next version of its AirTag item tracker, which should launch in mid-2025. The AirTag is a small device that you can attach to items such as keys, wallets or backpacks and it also allows the iPhone’s Find My app to locate them. Many users have used the first-generation AirTag since its launch in April 2021 to protect their belongings.
What is new in AirTag 2?
Gurman said the second-generation AirTag will have an updated chip and improved location capabilities. The new model, codenamed “B589,” is currently in manufacturing tests with partners in Asia and is expected to be released around the middle of next year.
In October 2023, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that mass production of the second generation AirTag was delayed from the fourth quarter of 2024 to some point in 2025. He believes the new AirTag will be compatible with Apple’s Vision Pro headset, but he did not share further details.
How does AirTag work?
AirTag communicates with nearby Apple devices through Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology and sends its location to the Find My network, which includes more than one billion devices. This way, the user can see the direction and approximate distance of their AirTag on the iPhone, as well as play a sound on the iPhone to help locate it.
Even if the owner is not nearby, other users on the Find My network can help locate the AirTag. If someone finds a lost AirTag, they can tap it with an iPhone or another NFC-compatible smartphone and see the owner’s contact information, if the owner chose to provide it.
What are the advantages of AirTag?
AirTag offers several advantages compared to other item trackers, such as:
- A global and private location network that does not reveal the identity or location of the devices involved.
- A replaceable battery with an estimated life of one year that the user can swap easily.
- An elegant, customizable design, with the option to engrave a name or emoji on the AirTag.
- A wide range of compatible accessories, from key rings to bags, so you can attach the AirTag to almost any object.
- Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, which lets you use Siri, widgets and notifications to interact with the AirTag.
How much does AirTag cost?
AirTag is available on Apple’s website for 35 dollars each, or 119 dollars for a four-pack. Accessories are sold separately, and prices vary depending on the material and manufacturer. Apple also offers a free engraving service so you can personalize the AirTag with a name or emoji.
