Apple’s initial AirTag, released in 2021, hasn’t seen an official upgrade announcement. However, reliable reports suggest the AirTag 2 is undergoing manufacturing tests, with a focus on improved privacy features. Notably, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports a significant hardware upgrade: a more powerful UWB chip.
UWB, or Ultra Wideband, is a short-range radio technology facilitating spatial awareness. Within the Apple ecosystem, it powers Precision Finding, guiding users to misplaced items with accurate distance and direction information.
AirTag next to an iPhone.
Precision Finding uses visual cues like on-screen arrows and distance estimations, combined with sound and haptic feedback. This helps users locate their lost devices more effectively.
The AirTag 2’s UWB chip is expected to match the one found in the iPhone 15 and 16 series, representing a significant improvement. Currently, the AirTag’s UWB range is about 10 meters (30 feet). The second-generation chip is predicted to triple this range, extending it to approximately 30 meters.
An AirTag sitting next to an iPhone.
Precision Finding, powered by UWB, is compatible with iPhone 11 and later models. The second-gen UWB chip in the iPhone 15 and 16 series also enables users to locate nearby friends using the Find My app.
Beyond the upgraded UWB chip, Apple has reportedly modified the AirTag 2’s internal design to deter tampering with the speaker. This addresses concerns about misuse for stalking or theft. In 2022, “silent AirTags” with removed speakers appeared on platforms like Etsy and eBay, making them difficult to detect.
In conclusion, the AirTag 2 promises significant improvements, particularly with its enhanced UWB chip, which will greatly extend its range and improve tracking accuracy. The redesigned speaker assembly enhances security, addressing previous concerns about misuse. These upgrades position the AirTag 2 as a more powerful and secure object tracker.
