Apple AirTag 2 Could Arrive Next Year With Three Important Upgrades

Apple could launch the successor to AirTag next year, equipping it with as many as three key upgrades. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has followed up on his previous report to say that AirTag 2 is well on track to debut in 2025 -- over three years after the original AirTag was introduced.

The next AirTag, according to the insights in Gurman's new post in the Power On newsletter, has passed the initials stages in "manufacturing tests, and Apple is ready to bring it to the market." Codenamed B589, the next-generation model will feature three notable improvements, including a new chip for better connectivity and performance. However, the AirTag 2 could end up looking like the original model, with some distinguishable elements in the design.

AirTag 2 to bring three key upgrades

Apple could use a second-generation Ultra-wideband (U2) chip in the next AirTag model to bring better connectivity than the U1 chip on the original model. Gurman noted that it could also enhance the tracking range, making the AirTag easier to find through the Find My network. Next, Apple will increase the privacy of the AirTag's tracking system -- one of the most common issues with Apple's tracker after people began to misuse it for ill purposes, such as stalking. The upcoming model will have a change in the design that will make it harder to remove.

The launch of AirTag 2 may not be standalone, with Gurman saying that Apple could introduce its long-rumoured smart home display alongside. The debut of new versions of the iPad Air with M3 chip, iPad with M4 chip, MacBook Air with M4 chip, Mac Pro, Mac Studio, and the highly-anticipated iPhone SE are also likely in next year's spring. Gurman has suggested that the next iPhone SE will undergo major cosmetic and hardware changes to look similar to the iPhone 14. That means a notched display, but it may stick to a single camera on the back. It could support Apple Intelligence, have a USB-C port, and use the company's in-house 5G modem.