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Gurman: Apple AirTag 2 Rumored to Come with iPhone 15-Level Chip

Highlights

The upcoming AirTag 2 is rumoured to feature a new ultra-wideband chip.
It will potentially boost the range up to three times farther than the current model.
It is expected to be launched in mid-2025.

Next Apple AirTag 2 will reportedly carry a new ultrawide-band chip. (Image credit – Apple)

The constant ‘not reachable’ error with Apple AirTag can be quite annoying but it seems Apple is finally focused on addressing the issue. As per the latest update, Apple’s next-generation tracker might get a major range boost before the rumoured launch next year. Here’s what we know.

In his latest Power On newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman revealed that the AirTag 2 could feature a new ultra-wideband (UWB) chip. Gurman also suggests that it will be as powerful as the one in the iPhone 15 saying, “on par with the one introduced in the iPhone 15.”

Apple’s AirTag 2 — coming next year — will have a new ultra-wide-band chip from the iPhone 15 to triple its finding range.

— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) December 15, 2024

This upgrade could mean a range up to three times farther than the current AirTag, which operates within a range of 33-98 feet (10-30 meters) for Precision Finding.

If these reports are true then the AirTag 2 would be in a top position to take on competitors like Tile that offer ranges of 100-500 feet (30-152 meters) depending on the model.

Most Bluetooth trackers top out at 200 feet (60 meters).

On average most Bluetooth trackers max out at around 200 feet (60 meters), so the AirTag 2 could be a game-changer in the tracking space.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Gurman also hinted at some of the key details of the upcoming AirTag. He posted, “Apple gears up to launch a new AirTag four years after the first model: I’m told the new version will look similar to the current model, but offer better range, bolster the onboard wireless chip and improve privacy.”

Apple gears up to launch a new AirTag four years after the first model: I’m told the new version will look similar to the current model, but offer better range, bolster the onboard wireless chip and improve privacy.

— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) November 17, 2024

The AirTag 2 is expected to launch in mid-2025 (June-July) under the codename B589. Reports suggest it will retain a design similar to its predecessor but will come with upgraded privacy features.

Apple plans to release a second-generation AirTag next year with “considerably” longer range for item tracking, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

Since its launch, the original AirTag has faced criticism for being misused in stalking incidents. Apple is reportedly introducing privacy-focused changes in the AirTag 2 to make it “more tamper-proof.”

Apple is also expected to unveil a new smart home display alongside the second-generation AirTag.

FAQs

Q1. What upgrade is expected in the AirTag 2 compared to the original AirTag?

Answer. The AirTag 2 is expected to feature a new ultra-wideband (UWB) chip, which could boost its range up to three times farther than the current model

Q2. When is the AirTag 2 expected to launch and what codename is it under?

Answer. The AirTag 2 is expected to launch in mid-2025 (June-July) and is under the codename B589.

Q3. What privacy features are expected in the AirTag 2?

Answer. Apple is reportedly introducing privacy-focused changes in the AirTag 2 to make it “more tamper-proof,” addressing misuse concerns from the original AirTag.