Apple AirTag 2 Set for Mid-2025 Launch: New Features and Upgrades

Apple AirTag 2 is set to redefine item tracking with its anticipated mid-2025 release, promising enhanced features and improved performance over its predecessor. Since the original AirTag debuted in April 2021, it has become a go-to solution for keeping tabs on keys, wallets, and other valuables through Apple’s Find My network. Now, with rumors swirling about the AirTag 2, excitement is building for what could be a significant upgrade in tracking technology. While Apple kept specifics under wraps at WWDC 2025, leaks and reports from trusted sources like Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and leaker Kosutami suggest that the AirTag 2 is nearly ready, with production tests already underway. This article dives into everything we know so far about the AirTag 2, its rumored features, and what it means for Apple users.

Key Takeaways

• Release Timeline: AirTag 2 is expected to launch around May or June 2025, aligning with WWDC 2025.
• Upgraded Features: Rumored to include a second-generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip for up to 3x longer tracking range.
• Enhanced Safety: Improved anti-stalking measures with a tamper-resistant speaker design.
• Battery Continuity: Likely to retain the replaceable CR2032 battery, with potential compatibility fixes for bitterant-coated batteries.
• Ecosystem Integration: Possible Vision Pro integration and better compatibility with Apple’s Find My network.

What Is the Apple AirTag 2?

The Apple AirTag 2 is the second-generation version of Apple’s popular item tracker, designed to help users locate misplaced items using the Find My app. The original AirTag, launched in 2021, uses Bluetooth and Ultra Wideband technology to connect with nearby Apple devices, providing precise location data. Priced at $29 for a single unit or $99 for a four-pack, the AirTag became a hit for its seamless integration with iPhones and iPads running iOS 14.5 or later. The AirTag 2 aims to build on this foundation with advanced features to enhance accuracy, safety, and user experience.

Why the Buzz Around AirTag 2?

The anticipation for the AirTag 2 stems from its long-awaited refresh, as the original AirTag has gone four years without a hardware update. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple has been working on this new tracker, codenamed B589, with manufacturing tests already in progress in Asia. The delay in its release—initially expected earlier but pushed to 2025 due to excess first-gen inventory—has only heightened curiosity. Users are eager for improvements in tracking range, battery life, and anti-stalking measures, making the AirTag 2 a hot topic among tech enthusiasts.

Rumored Features of the Apple AirTag 2

While Apple has yet to confirm details, leaks and industry reports provide a glimpse into what the AirTag 2 might offer. Here are the most exciting rumored upgrades:

Enhanced Ultra Wideband Chip for Better Tracking

One of the most significant upgrades expected in the AirTag 2 is a second-generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip, first introduced in the iPhone 15 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. This chip could extend the tracking range up to 60 meters (200 feet), a 3x improvement over the original AirTag’s 10-15 meter range. This upgrade would make Precision Finding more effective, allowing users to locate items like keys or bags with greater accuracy, even in crowded or expansive environments.

How Does the UWB Chip Work?

Ultra Wideband technology uses short-range, high-frequency radio waves to provide precise location data. Unlike Bluetooth, which offers general proximity, UWB enables directional tracking, guiding users to their item with on-screen arrows in the Find My app. The second-generation UWB chip enhances this capability, making it easier to find items at greater distances or in challenging settings like airports or malls.

Improved Anti-Stalking Measures

Privacy concerns have been a significant issue with the original AirTag, as some have misused it for stalking. Apple addressed this with software updates, such as alerts for unrecognized AirTags and sound notifications when separated from their owner. The AirTag 2 is rumored to feature a speaker that’s harder to remove or disable, ensuring alerts remain effective. This hardware-based anti-stalking measure could make the AirTag 2 a safer choice for users.

Why Anti-Stalking Features Matter

Reports of AirTags being used for illicit tracking have prompted Apple to prioritize safety. A louder, tamper-resistant speaker would make it easier to detect an unauthorized AirTag, protecting users from potential misuse. This focus aligns with Apple’s commitment to privacy across its ecosystem.

Same Design, Better Battery Compatibility

The AirTag 2 is expected to retain the original’s compact, circular design, which is small enough to fit in pockets or attach to keychains. However, there’s speculation about improved compatibility with CR2032 batteries, particularly those with bitterant coatings designed to prevent children from swallowing them. The original AirTag faced issues with these coated batteries, and Apple may address this in the new model. While some users have requested a rechargeable battery or wireless charging, the AirTag 2 is likely to stick with the replaceable CR2032 for cost and convenience.

User Wishlist: A Thinner Design?

Although no major design changes are rumored, users have expressed interest in a flatter, credit-card-shaped AirTag for wallets or slim bags. While competitors like Tile and Chipolo offer such designs, Apple seems focused on maintaining the current form factor, prioritizing functionality over aesthetic tweaks.

Potential Vision Pro Integration

An intriguing rumor suggests the AirTag 2 could integrate with Apple’s Vision Pro, potentially leveraging augmented reality (AR) for a more immersive tracking experience. For example, Vision Pro users might see visual overlays in the Find My app, pinpointing an item’s location in their field of view. However, with Vision Pro’s sales reportedly stagnating, this feature’s inclusion remains uncertain.

When Will the AirTag 2 Launch?

According to multiple sources, including Bloomberg and leaker Kosutami, the AirTag 2 is slated for a mid-2025 release, likely in May or June, coinciding with WWDC 2025. Apple has already begun trial production with manufacturing partners in Asia, indicating that the launch is on track. The delay from earlier projections was due to a surplus of first-generation AirTag inventory, but recent moves, such as discontinuing the AirTag Loop accessory, suggest Apple is clearing the way for the new model.

Why WWDC 2025?

WWDC, Apple’s annual developer conference, is traditionally a platform for software announcements, but it has occasionally included hardware reveals, like the original AirTag in 2021. With the AirTag 2 “nearly ready,” per Mark Gurman, a June 2025 unveiling at WWDC makes sense, especially if paired with iOS 26 updates that enhance Find My functionality.

How the AirTag 2 Fits Into Apple’s Ecosystem

The AirTag 2 will likely integrate seamlessly with Apple’s ecosystem, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, and potentially Vision Pro. The Find My network, which relies on millions of Apple devices worldwide to relay location data, remains a key strength. With the new UWB chip, the AirTag 2 could offer even tighter integration, such as improved Precision Finding for iPhone 15 and 16 users or enhanced AR features for Vision Pro.

Comparison with Competitors

The AirTag 2 will face competition from trackers like Tile Mate and Chipolo One Spot, which offer cross-platform support for Android and iOS. However, Apple’s UWB technology and Find My network give it an edge in precision and reliability for Apple users. A louder speaker and longer range could further distance the AirTag 2 from rivals, though some users hope for better Android compatibility, which remains unlikely due to Apple’s walled-garden approach.

Should You Wait for the AirTag 2?

If you’re considering an AirTag purchase, the decision to wait depends on your needs. The current AirTag, priced at $29 or $99 for a four-pack, is a solid choice with frequent discounts (e.g., $79.88 for a four-pack on Amazon). However, the AirTag 2’s rumored upgrades—longer range, better anti-stalking features, and potential AR integration—make it worth waiting for if you prioritize cutting-edge tech. For those with multiple AirTags already, upgrading may depend on whether the new features justify the cost.

Current AirTag Deals

If you need a tracker now, the original AirTag is widely available at retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Apple’s website. Recent sales have seen four-packs drop to as low as $50 with promotions, making it a budget-friendly option. Accessories like waterproof cases ($45 for a four-pack) can also enhance the current AirTag’s versatility.

Summary

The Apple AirTag 2 is poised to be a significant upgrade over the original, with a mid-2025 launch expected around WWDC. Rumored features include a second-generation UWB chip for up to 3x longer tracking range, a tamper-resistant speaker for enhanced anti-stalking measures, and potential Vision Pro integration. While the design is likely to remain similar, improvements in battery compatibility and tracking accuracy could make the AirTag 2 a must-have for Apple users. As Apple clears out first-gen inventory and ramps up production, excitement is building for a tracker that could set a new standard in item location technology.

FAQs About the Apple AirTag 2

1. When will the Apple AirTag 2 be released?

The AirTag 2 is expected to launch in mid-2025, likely in May or June, possibly during WWDC 2025.

2. What new features will the AirTag 2 have?

Rumored features include a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip for up to 60-meter range, a tamper-resistant speaker, and possible Vision Pro integration.

3. Will the AirTag 2 have a different design?

No major design changes are expected; it will likely retain the original’s compact, circular shape.

4. How much will the AirTag 2 cost?

Pricing hasn’t been confirmed, but the original AirTag costs $29 individually or $99 for a four-pack, and the AirTag 2 is expected to be similar.

5. Will the AirTag 2 use a rechargeable battery?

It’s likely to continue using a replaceable CR2032 battery, with potential fixes for compatibility with bitterant-coated batteries.

6. How does the AirTag 2 improve anti-stalking measures?

The AirTag 2 is rumored to have a speaker that’s harder to remove, ensuring alerts for unauthorized tracking are more effective.

7. Will the AirTag 2 work with Android devices?

While better Android support is desired, Apple is likely to prioritize its ecosystem, with limited cross-platform compatibility.

8. What is the Ultra Wideband chip in the AirTag 2?

The second-generation UWB chip enables precise tracking up to 60 meters, a 3x improvement over the original AirTag’s range.

9. Can the AirTag 2 integrate with Vision Pro?

Rumors suggest possible AR integration with Vision Pro for enhanced tracking visuals, though this remains unconfirmed.

10. Should I buy the current AirTag or wait for the AirTag 2?

If you need a tracker now, the current AirTag is reliable and often discounted. For cutting-edge features, waiting for the AirTag 2 may be worth it.