Apple’s AirTag 2 could launch soon with smarter tracking and privacy upgrades

After years of silence around Apple’s item-tracking accessory, signs are pointing to a second-generation AirTag arriving sooner than expected. The compact device, which hasn’t received a hardware update since its debut in 2021, is reportedly on the verge of a refresh—and it may be much more than a minor revision.

In a recent report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Gurman indicated that a follow-up to the original AirTag is “nearly ready” for launch. Though he downplayed the chances of it making an appearance at Apple’s WWDC 2025 keynote, the timing suggests the launch could happen sometime this summer. Gurman previously pointed to a mid-2025 release window, and with June now underway, anticipation is building.

While Apple has kept quiet on any official plans, recent leaks and industry whispers have offered some insight into what the new version might bring. At the top of the list is support for Apple’s upgraded Ultra Wideband chip, the same tech found in newer iPhones and Apple Watches. That enhancement could dramatically boost the AirTag’s tracking performance—potentially tripling its range and improving directional precision when locating nearby items.

But range isn’t the only area of focus. With Apple leaning deeper into spatial computing and cross-device integration, the new AirTag could be designed to work more seamlessly with the Apple Vision Pro headset. That would open the door to immersive item tracking—allowing users to literally “see” lost items anchored in virtual space through the Vision Pro interface.

In response to ongoing privacy concerns, Apple is also expected to address one of the AirTag’s most controversial issues: stalking. The first-gen model faced backlash for how easily it could be misused, and Apple has since added software alerts and Android compatibility to help combat abuse. This time around, the hardware itself may get involved—rumors suggest the speaker mechanism will be modified to make it harder for bad actors to disable the sound, which plays when an unknown AirTag is detected traveling with someone.

What won’t likely change is the product’s outward appearance. The minimalist puck-like design is expected to remain intact, keeping compatibility with existing accessories and holders. Pricing may also stay in the same ballpark as before, with single AirTags likely remaining around $29 and multi-packs available at a slight discount.

AirTag has quietly become one of Apple’s most useful everyday accessories, especially for travelers, parents, and anyone prone to losing things. But it’s also been the subject of lawsuits, headlines, and policy scrutiny. With a second-generation model, Apple now has the opportunity to prove that small devices can carry big responsibility—especially in an era where personal privacy and spatial technology are colliding in new ways.

As the company prepares to unveil the rest of its 2025 hardware lineup, the next-generation AirTag may arrive under the radar—but it could be a sleeper hit all over again.