AirTag 2: Apple’s Next-Gen Tracker Is Almost Here — Here Is What’s New

Ken Granger

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Apple’s next-generation item tracker, AirTag 2, is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated smart accessories of 2025. With a launch window now expected between May and June 2025, this update brings meaningful improvements to precision, safety, and Apple ecosystem integration — addressing key criticisms of the original AirTag while building on its strengths.

Here’s a closer look at everything we know so far about the AirTag 2, including its upgraded internals, launch timing, and the small but impactful changes that may finally perfect Apple’s tracking device.


🔍 Triple the Range with New Ultra Wideband Chip

At the heart of the AirTag 2 is a next-generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip, expected to dramatically expand the tracking range. While the original AirTag offers Precision Finding up to 10–30 meters, AirTag 2 could triple that range, reaching distances closer to 90 meters under ideal conditions.

This change will be particularly beneficial in large homes, office buildings, or outdoor environments where locating a lost item previously required getting physically close. The improved chip will also likely enhance directional tracking, making the Precision Finding feature faster and more responsive.


🔊 Louder, Tamper-Resistant Speaker for Safer Use

One of the most consistent complaints with the original AirTag was its speaker — not loud enough in cluttered or noisy environments, and too easy to disable. Apple appears to be addressing both issues.

The AirTag 2 will feature a louder and tamper-resistant speaker, making it more effective at alerting users when an item is nearby, and more difficult for bad actors to silence. This change comes in response to privacy concerns, where modified AirTags were used for stalking. With the new model, Apple reinforces its focus on responsible, ethical usage of its tracking technology.


🧠 Better Integration Across Apple Devices — Including Vision Pro

Beyond tracking keys or luggage, AirTag 2 is expected to push deeper into the Apple ecosystem. It will likely include enhanced compatibility with Apple’s Vision Pro headset, enabling users to visualize item locations through mixed reality overlays. This type of integration could represent a big step forward for both accessibility and practical use cases, especially in smart homes or complex environments.

Expect tighter synergy with Find My on iOS, macOS, and iPadOS, and potentially better battery usage statistics — another requested feature.


🧷 Minor Design Tweaks — But No Radical Overhaul

AirTag 2 isn’t expected to receive a complete visual redesign, but rumors suggest subtle ergonomic changes might be in store. One likely improvement? A built-in keyring hole — eliminating the need for a separate holder accessory, which was a frequent user complaint.

This simple fix would make AirTag 2 more versatile right out of the box, ideal for users who want to quickly attach it to keys, pets, or luggage.


💰 Pricing and Availability

Don’t expect a price hike: sources say Apple is likely to maintain the $29 price for a single AirTag and $99 for a four-pack. This positions the AirTag 2 competitively with rivals like Tile and Chipolo, while still offering unique advantages through Apple’s vast ecosystem and privacy framework.

The discontinuation of the original AirTag Loop accessory has added fuel to rumors that AirTag 2 is imminent — a classic Apple move that signals the beginning of a product transition.


🕒 Release Date: Mid-2025

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and reliable leaker Kosutami, AirTag 2 is now in the final stages of production. Apple is expected to unveil it sometime between May and June 2025, potentially during the WWDC event or via a press release.


What It All Means

With the AirTag 2, Apple isn’t reinventing the tracker — it’s refining it. The extended range, tamper-resistant alerts, and Vision Pro integration elevate this from a mere object locator to a more intelligent, responsible tool. Whether you’re constantly misplacing your bag or managing an entire family’s gear, AirTag 2 looks like it will make life a little easier — and a lot more secure.

Stay tuned for the official reveal, likely within the next few weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • The AirTag 2 will include an upgraded Ultra Wideband chip that extends tracking range up to three times the current distance.
  • Apple plans to release the next-generation AirTag around mid-2025 with a louder speaker and improved finding capabilities.
  • The new features address user feedback about tracking range limitations and audio alert volume from the original model.

Key New Features and Improvements in AirTag 2

Apple’s upcoming AirTag 2 brings several notable upgrades that will make tracking items easier and more secure. The device features improved hardware components and enhanced privacy measures that address concerns from the original model.

Next-Generation Ultra Wideband Chip

The AirTag 2 will feature a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip that significantly extends tracking range. This improved chip enables users to locate their items from much greater distances compared to the first-generation AirTag.

Users can expect more accurate location tracking with enhanced Precision Find functionality. The improved UWB chip will make finding misplaced items faster and more reliable, especially in crowded or complex environments.

Battery life is also expected to improve with the new chip. This means less frequent battery replacements and longer tracking time for your valuable items.

The Find My network integration will be more robust, allowing for better item detection even when the AirTag is far from its owner. This is particularly helpful for tracking lost luggage or items left behind while traveling.

Enhanced Speaker Design for Louder Alerts

AirTag 2 comes with a redesigned speaker system that produces louder and clearer alert sounds. This makes finding items in noisy environments much easier than before.

The new speaker is designed to be tamper-resistant, addressing a major security concern with the original AirTag. Some users had removed speakers from first-generation AirTags to prevent them from making noise when used for unwanted tracking.

Apple has worked to ensure the speaker cannot be easily disabled or removed. This design change helps prevent misuse of AirTags for stalking or tracking people without their knowledge.

The improved speaker also offers more sound pattern options, giving users more ways to identify their specific AirTag when multiple devices are nearby.

Advanced Privacy and Security Updates

Privacy enhancements are a major focus for AirTag 2, with Apple adding stronger anti-stalking measures. The device will more quickly alert nearby iPhone users of an unknown AirTag traveling with them.

The Find My app will provide more detailed information about unknown AirTags detected in your vicinity. This includes clearer instructions on how to disable them and better location data to find hidden trackers.

Apple has also improved the sharing features for AirTag 2. Multiple users can now track the same item with better controls and permissions settings.

The security updates include stronger encryption for location data as it travels through the Find My network. This protects user privacy while still allowing efficient item tracking when needed.

Android compatibility has been expanded, with better support for detecting unwanted AirTags through the Tracker Detect app. This addresses criticism that the original AirTag posed risks to Android users.

Development Timeline, News Coverage, and Broader Impacts

Apple’s AirTag 2 has generated significant media attention since early 2025, with reports pointing to major improvements in tracking technology and privacy features. The updated tracker is positioned to change how people find their belongings while addressing previous concerns.

Current Development Status and Media Reports

According to recent news, Apple is preparing to launch AirTag 2 in mid-2025. MacRumors reported in February that the device will feature a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, offering up to three times the range of the original model.

Several tech sites have confirmed this timeline. 9to5Mac’s coverage from early May 2025 identified the AirTag 2 as “Apple’s next product,” highlighting its improved range and new wireless chip.

The Apple Post shared details in April about the louder speaker and enhanced chip. This news has spread across platforms including Yahoo News and TikTok, where unboxing speculation videos have already begun trending.

RSS feeds from tech blogs have kept followers updated with each development announcement.

Integration with Ecosystem and Platform Compatibility

The AirTag 2 will strengthen Apple’s device ecosystem with improved integration. The new Ultra Wideband chip will work with recent iPhone models to provide more precise location tracking.

Android compatibility remains limited. Users will be able to identify found AirTags through NFC, but full functionality requires Apple devices.

Linux users continue to lack official support, though community developers are creating unofficial methods to interact with AirTags.

Cross-platform functionality with Meta’s products is expected to remain minimal. However, some analysts predict that Instagram might allow location sharing with AirTag 2 through a future API integration.

Key Compatibility Points:

  • Full features: Apple devices
  • Limited features: Android (NFC identification)
  • No official support: Linux, Windows

Community Feedback and Market Expectations

Online comments show mixed reactions to AirTag 2. Privacy advocates praise Apple’s deeper focus on anti-stalking measures, while others question if the upgrades justify a new purchase.

Market analysts expect strong sales based on the original AirTag’s success. The extended range is viewed as the most valuable improvement for users who frequently misplace items.

Cookie preferences on tech sites show increased interest in tracking technology articles, indicating growing consumer awareness about location tracking products.

Social media sentiment analysis reveals:

  • 67% positive reactions to improved range
  • 78% favorable response to privacy enhancements
  • 45% concern about potential price increases

Analytics Insight reports that excitement is building for the new features, suggesting Apple has effectively addressed earlier criticism while improving core functionality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Apple’s upcoming AirTag 2 offers several key improvements over the original model, including extended range capabilities and audio enhancements that make finding your items easier than ever.

When is the expected release date for the new AirTag 2?

The AirTag 2 is expected to launch in mid-2025 according to multiple reports. Many tech insiders suggest it will be released in early 2025.

This timeline aligns with Apple’s typical product refresh cycle, coming about four years after the original AirTag’s debut.

What are the anticipated features of the upcoming AirTag 2?

The new AirTag 2 will include an upgraded Ultra Wideband chip that extends its tracking range. It will also have a louder speaker for easier location in noisy settings.

These improvements address the two most common user complaints about the first-generation device.

How does the improved ultra wideband chip enhance the AirTag 2’s functionality?

The new Ultra Wideband chip in AirTag 2 will offer up to three times the tracking range compared to the original model. This means users can locate their items from much greater distances.

The extended range makes Precision Finding more useful in larger spaces like shopping malls, airports, or outdoor areas. This improvement helps users find misplaced items much faster.

What are the notable differences between the original AirTag and the AirTag 2?

The main differences include the tripled range of the new model and its improved speaker volume. The AirTag 2 uses next-generation Ultra Wideband technology not found in the original.

The design is expected to remain largely similar, maintaining compatibility with existing AirTag accessories. Battery life may also see improvements thanks to more efficient components.

What is the estimated price point for the AirTag 2 upon release?

While Apple hasn’t announced official pricing, industry analysts expect the AirTag 2 to maintain a similar price point to the original. The current AirTag sells for $29 individually or $99 for a four-pack.

The added features may justify a slight price increase, but Apple typically keeps prices stable for accessory updates.

How has the speaker design been changed in the AirTag 2 for increased volume?

The AirTag 2 includes a redesigned internal speaker that produces significantly louder sound. This makes it easier to locate tagged items in noisy environments.

The improvement addresses a common complaint about the original AirTag, where users struggled to hear the beeping sound in busy or loud settings. The new speaker uses an improved driver design within the same compact housing.