Apple’s AirTags have proved to be a popular way to keep track of your luggage, keys and valuable items to locate them when they go missing, but they haven’t changed much since they first launched in 2021. Now though, Apple has a new version on the way with some significant changes on board.
That information comes from Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman’s latest Power On newsletter, where the journalist claims that the new AirTags will arrive in 2025. Gurman has previously contended that the device will launch around the middle of this year, and that timeframe doesn’t seem to have changed in his most recent newsletter.
AirTag 2 – New UWB Chip
What should we expect in terms of features? Well, he says that the new AirTags will come with a new ultra-wideband (UWB) chip that’s on par with the one found in the iPhone 15.
This will “considerably” increase the AirTags range, up from the current distance of 10-30 meters to triple that figure, he believes. That should make it a lot easier to find a lost item, as you won’t need to be so close to it to pick up its signal – and would help support the AirTags’ recent integration with airlines like United.
And thanks to the new UWB chip, iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 owners can use Precision Finding inside the Find My app to find each other over 100 metres away. It’s possible then we could see the same functionality come to the AirTag 2.
But what we don’t know is how the upgraded chip will affect the pricing. While the internals may receive an upgrade, potential buyers shouldn’t expect the outward appearance to alter for the next model. Which makes sense considering the huge array of first and third party AirTag accessories that have been produced over the last three years.
Privacy and Security Updates for AirTags
Mark has previously reported on other changes he claims are coming to the AirTags in 2025, including some notable privacy and security changes. Apple might make it harder to remove the AirTags’ speaker, for example, which would make it more difficult for stalkers to hide an AirTag in a victim’s belongings without being found out.
However, don’t expect a new design. Gurman’s previous report says the next AirTags will “look similar” to the existing model, and Apple is clearly happy enough not to change anything about their appearance.
Other than that, rumoured features for the AirTag 2 are a little thin on the ground. Users would welcome a longer battery life, though.
Apple’s 2025 Launch for AirTag 2
With the new AirTag reportedly due to land in the summer of 2025, there’s not long to wait until we see what improvements Apple has prepared for its tracker. Hopefully, it’s able to improve on the existing model and make it even easier to find the location of your lost luggage, if your suitcase was to go missing someday.
