Eric Zeman / Android Authority
TL;DR
- Apple may launch the long-awaited AirTag 2 subsequent 12 months.
- The following-gen mannequin will pack a brand new wi-fi chip, supply higher vary, and enhance privateness.
Though it’s been over three years because the unique AirTag hit the market, Apple has but to launch its successor. Whereas some rumors instructed that the corporate may launch the second-gen mannequin this 12 months, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman confirmed this January that it wouldn’t arrive till subsequent 12 months. Now, Gurman has revealed that the AirTag 2 is on monitor for a 2025 launch and can include three key upgrades.
Based on this week’s Energy On publication, the AirTag has “now progressed in manufacturing checks, and Apple is able to deliver it to the market.” Gurman reviews that the second-gen mannequin, codenamed B589, will look just like the unique AirTag however deliver three noteworthy modifications.
Apple will supply the AirTag 2 with a brand new onboard wi-fi chip, possible the second-generation Extremely-Wideband (U2) chip, which is able to present higher connectivity in comparison with the U1 chip on the unique mannequin. The brand new chip may also give the tracker higher vary, making it simpler to find.
Moreover, Apple will make some privateness enhancements on the upcoming mannequin, together with a design change that may make eradicating the onboard speaker tougher. Apple appears to be adopting this new design to stop malefactors from utilizing the AirTag as a instrument for stalking.
Gurman provides that Apple will launch a brand new sensible residence show alongside the next-gen AirTag subsequent 12 months. The corporate additionally plans to launch new variations of the iPad Air, entry-level iPad, MacBook Air, Mac Professional, Mac Studio, and iPhone SE in 2025.