Although the current model continues to be a benchmark in the market, recent rumors point to important improvements in its next version, but also to a controversial decision: They will not have a rechargeable battery.
Release date: AirTag 2 arrives in 2025
According to reports from Mark Gurman in his newsletter Power On and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the launch of the AirTag 2 is scheduled for mid-2025. Although mass production was initially expected to begin in late 2024, Apple’s plans have been delayed for reasons that have not been publicly detailed.
Despite the wait, manufacturing tests have already begun, and everything indicates that the accessory will be ready to hit the market within the next year. This new model, codenamed B589, promises to maintain Apple’s leadership in the smart tracker segment.
Main new features of the AirTag 2
The design of the AirTag 2 will be similar to the current model, but the internal improvements make a big difference:
- Most advanced chip. Rumors indicate that the new AirTag will include a second-generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip, the same one that debuted in the iPhone 15. This will significantly improve the accuracy tracking and will allow you to use the Precise Location function at greater distances.
- Greater range and connectivity. The new AirTags are expected to offer a wider range, thus being able to locate objects even when they are further away. This could make it a must-have accessory for those who frequently lose their belongings.
- Measures against harassment. Apple has come under fire in the past for misusing AirTags to follow people without their consent. In response, the AirTag 2 will include a built-in speaker that is harder to disable, strengthening anti-harassment measures.
- Integration with Vision Pro. Although details are scarce, Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that the AirTag 2 will have some type of integration with the Vision Pro, Apple’s famous mixed reality glasses. This opens the door to new tracking capabilities in virtual environments or interactive experiences.
The controversy: why is there no rechargeable battery?
One of the most criticized aspects of the first generation of AirTags is its dependence on button type batterieswhich require replacement periodically. Many expected the AirTag 2 to include a rechargeable battery, like most modern devices. However, Mark Gurman recently confirmed that Apple will maintain the current design with the same batteries used in the first generation.
Although this decision could be motivated by design or cost reasons, it is still a negative point for users who were looking for a more sustainable and comfortable accessory. However, Apple seems confident that functionality improvements will make up for this lack.
The AirTag 2 promise to be smarter, more precise and saferbut also conservative in certain key aspects, such as its design and its “battery.” Despite the controversy over the absence of a rechargeable battery, Apple seeks to offer a more functional device for users who depend on this accessory to keep track of their personal belongings.
We will have to wait until 2025 to know all the details and see if the AirTag 2 lives up to expectations. What is clear is that Apple does not plan to be left behind in the competitive smart tracker market.
