Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution
We've known for a while that Apple is working on a hardware refresh for the AirTag, but a new report provides us with a closer look at what it might include, considering the long overdue launch is approaching.
The iPhone maker rarely talks about its upcoming products, so our only option is to listen to what insiders say.
The latest report reveals that the new-generation AirTag has already reached the manufacturing test phase, meaning that Apple is now building the first units specifically to validate the manufacturing process and discover potential problems in an early stage.
All Apple devices go through the same phases before reaching mass production, and the manufacturing test process typically confirms that the Cupertino-based tech giant has finalized the design and feature lineup and is ready to begin production.
The new report also adds that the AirTag 2 is internally codenamed B589, but contrary to what many people expect, it won't feature a new design. The updated model will look similar to the AirTag we know and love, as Apple sees no reason to change the design, considering it's already small enough to be placed virtually anywhere.
Apple also wants to retain the AirTag's compatibility with the cases designed for the first generation – this is something the company typically does for other devices, including the Apple Watch, where the band compatibility has been retained across generations.
The new AirTag will be focused on a hardware refresh under the hood, and the report reveals that it'll include a new chip to offer improved location tracking and a longer range. The AirTag works by connecting to nearby iPhones via Bluetooth, and if it adopts the Ultra Wideband chip integrated into the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 series, it should offer more precise tracking.
The biggest upgrade could be a new component design that will make speaker removal more difficult. The AirTag has become a double-edged sword, as some people with nefarious goals in mind remove the speaker to prevent it from issuing privacy alerts. The AirTag notifies iPhone owners they are moving with them as an anti-stalking protection.
The device is expected to launch in 2025, possibly in the spring, alongside other new devices.
The AirTag has become a super-popular car tracker, as it can be installed virtually anywhere in the cabin to broadcast its location in case the vehicle gets stolen. The AirTag comes with a removable CR2032 battery, providing up to 6 months of battery per unit. This means you can install an AirTag in your car and forget it's there, protecting your vehicle for half a year in case it gets stolen. The AirTag will broadcast its location to your iPhone as long as it can connect to a nearby Apple device.
The latest report reveals that the new-generation AirTag has already reached the manufacturing test phase, meaning that Apple is now building the first units specifically to validate the manufacturing process and discover potential problems in an early stage.
All Apple devices go through the same phases before reaching mass production, and the manufacturing test process typically confirms that the Cupertino-based tech giant has finalized the design and feature lineup and is ready to begin production.
The new report also adds that the AirTag 2 is internally codenamed B589, but contrary to what many people expect, it won't feature a new design. The updated model will look similar to the AirTag we know and love, as Apple sees no reason to change the design, considering it's already small enough to be placed virtually anywhere.
Apple also wants to retain the AirTag's compatibility with the cases designed for the first generation – this is something the company typically does for other devices, including the Apple Watch, where the band compatibility has been retained across generations.
The new AirTag will be focused on a hardware refresh under the hood, and the report reveals that it'll include a new chip to offer improved location tracking and a longer range. The AirTag works by connecting to nearby iPhones via Bluetooth, and if it adopts the Ultra Wideband chip integrated into the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 series, it should offer more precise tracking.
The biggest upgrade could be a new component design that will make speaker removal more difficult. The AirTag has become a double-edged sword, as some people with nefarious goals in mind remove the speaker to prevent it from issuing privacy alerts. The AirTag notifies iPhone owners they are moving with them as an anti-stalking protection.
The device is expected to launch in 2025, possibly in the spring, alongside other new devices.
The AirTag has become a super-popular car tracker, as it can be installed virtually anywhere in the cabin to broadcast its location in case the vehicle gets stolen. The AirTag comes with a removable CR2032 battery, providing up to 6 months of battery per unit. This means you can install an AirTag in your car and forget it's there, protecting your vehicle for half a year in case it gets stolen. The AirTag will broadcast its location to your iPhone as long as it can connect to a nearby Apple device.
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