If you've been thinking about getting an Apple AirTag but are worried that a new version might land straight after you hit the 'buy' button, fear not – the latest rumors suggest that a sequel won't arrive until at least mid-2025.
The current AirTag is over three years old, but Bloomberg is reporting that an AirTag 2 – with improved location tracking and a new chip isn't expected to arrive until "around the middle of next year."
Apple is apparently already doing test runs on its new tracker (which reportedly has the code-name B589) with manufacturing partners in Asia. But if you've been thinking of buying one of the little tracking discs, it looks like you'll be safe to do so without it being immediately rendered obsolete by a successor.
It's been an interesting year for trackers like the AirTag as well as third-party ones like those from Chipolo and Pebblebee. Google started rolling out new Find My Device network in April, which gives Android phones an equivalent of Apple's crowd-sourced Find My network for tracking down lost devices.
More recently, iOS 17.5 delivered built-in detection for 'unwanted location trackers', which lets iPhone owners detect and locate third-party object trackers (alongside AirTags). This followed Google and Apple's agreement back in May 2023 to make a joint specification to "combat the misuse of Bluetooth location-tracking devices.”
This means tracking devices are making something of a comeback this year, following understandable fears over their misuse a few years ago – but it looks like we'll need to wait until 2025 before we see a next-gen AirTag.
What might an AirTag 2 bring?
Given that Apple's current AirTag already has a useful Precision Finding feature (based on Ultra Wideband tech) for accurate object-tracking, is there anything left for a successor to improve on?
We have a few ideas. As our Apple AirTag review notes, the design could be better. We found that the little disc can scuff easily, and it's also annoying that you need to buy accessories to attach AirTags to keys and bags. It'd be good to see a more rugged design and a built-in keyring hole.
The AirTag's rivals, like the new Find My Device-compatible options from Chipolo and Pebblebee, are also available in several different form factors, including flat versions that are suitable for wallets. We'd like to see an AirTag equivalent of the latter – after all, it'd slot in nicely next to the Apple Card.
We'd also like to see an improvement in battery life – the current AirTag's CR2032 battery lasts about a year before it needs replacing – and a louder speaker for that audible beep you hear when you're tracking it down. One other useful feature would be the option of using an AirTag to find your iPhone or Watch – there's currently no option for doing that.
Still, this doesn't mean the current Apple AirTag isn't a decent buy at its $29 / £29 / AU$45 price tag. And with the AirTag 2 still seemingly a way off, we'll be looking to pick up one or two extra ones for travels this year.
You might also like
