Kuo: AirTag 2 Postponed Until 2025

[MacRumors]

Apple will not release a second-generation version of the AirTag until 2025, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Mass production on the accessory has reportedly been delayed until 2025, which has pushed back Apple's target launch timeline. Back in August, Kuo had said that mass production would kick off in the fourth quarter of 2024, suggesting a late 2024 or early 2025 launch.

According to Kuo, the AirTag 2 will be part of a new spatial computing ecosystem that Apple is building, with the Vision Pro serving as the core to integrate other devices. Kuo previously said that he believes the AirTag will integrate with the Vision Pro headset, but he still has not given much insight into what that means.

There is a possibility that the Ultra Wideband chip in the AirTag could be used for relaying positional information to the Vision Pro in some capacity, but just how Apple will use the AirTag with the Vision Pro remains to be seen.

We've heard little about a second-generation AirTag at this point, and there's no word on what Apple might include in terms of design changes, form factor updates, or feature additions.

A new AirTag would likely incorporate Apple's second-generation Ultra Wideband chip that debuted in the iPhone 15 models, allowing for even more precise tracking indoors.

Article Link: Kuo: AirTag 2 Postponed Until 2025

 

[Powerbooky]

We're still in 2023... keep on speculating.

 

[spaxxedout]

Would really like card-sized AirTag, or find-my integrated with Apple Card.

 

[MayaUser]

In late 2024 -- KUO airtag 2 Postponed till 2026

 

[swiftapplefan]

Really strange that they aren’t integrating the Second Generation Ultra Wideband Chip (God forbid calling it U2, Apple Music will explode again) in the AirTag, since it’s more precise and useful. It could help you locate the AirTag from anywhere in the house, not just the room you’re standing in…

 

[jz0309]

Interesting, seems plausible that next gen will “integrate” with vpro, and also, as Apple will need to make a push for spatial computing, maybe that has to do with MacBooks not launching with M3 until after vpro release?

 

[bankshot]

Would really like card-sized AirTag

Card Universal

The Card is an ultra-thin, rechargeable Bluetooth tracker that fits effortlessly into wallets, passport holders, laptop sleeves, or any slim space. The Card connects with either Apple Find My and Google's Find My Device networks, allowing you to locate your items easily through your smartphone.

pebblebee.com

I got this based on a tip from here, and it’s been fantastic. Super thin and more importantly, has a rechargeable battery so you don’t just throw it out when it dies (like the Chipolo offering). Works great.

 

[DaveTheRave]

Battery life is awesome on these things. I went well over a year before needing to buy new batteries.

 

[NCPine]

AirTags have been a great product. They have definitely made my life better, whether it's peace of mind watching my luggage, locating my luggage on the wrong baggage carousel, or finding that lost remote in the couch. Looking forward to updates, hopefully with a little better battery life. There are tone patterns that would make them easier to locate than the current chirp.

 

[Unity451]

With all the litigation around this product and the continual back-peddling of features... the AirTag 2 is going to be little more than a storage case for your 2032 coin cell batteries.

 

[MayaUser]

Really strange that they aren’t integrating the Second Generation Ultra Wideband Chip (God forbid calling it U2, Apple Music will explode again) in the AirTag, since it’s more precise and useful. It could help you locate the AirTag from anywhere in the house, not just the room you’re standing in…

i bet they will place second gen by 2025

 

[Darren.h]

YIKES. an Apple Tech slow down

 

[BanjoDudeAhoy]

With all the litigation around this product and the continual back-peddling of features... the AirTag 2 is going to be little more than a storage case for your 2032 coin cell batteries.

Well, I for one have been wondering where the heck to keep those darn things.

 

[Wrylachlan2]

Second (or third by that time…) generation ultra wide band seems obvious. And I know not everyone has an Apple Watch but I’d love to see them ditch the replaceable battery and make them rechargeable on the Apple Watch puck.

 

[Fuzzball84]

I have had an AirTag since release and its been amazing.. battery lats just over a year and its a great piece of mind. Way better than the Tile trackers and other competitors offerings.. but then again... Apple have the luxury of a massive network of attached iOS devices to support it.

Will be interesting to see what features a second gen brings...

 

[zach-coleman]

or find-my integrated with Apple Card.

This would possibly be the most incredible ecosystem integration they ever did if it happens.

With all the litigation around this product and the continual back-peddling of features... the AirTag 2 is going to be little more than a storage case for your 2032 coin cell batteries.

What features did they backpedal? All I can think of is the warning one is traveling with you, but they were never meant to track stolen items, just lost ones. Apple would get in a lot more trouble for “supporting vigilante justice” than whatever is going on right now.

 

[Fuzzball84]

Second (or third by that time…) generation ultra wide band seems obvious. And I know not everyone has an Apple Watch but I’d love to see them ditch the replaceable battery and make them rechargeable on the Apple Watch puck.

Don't they have problems with them being used in suitcases and the like if they contain rechargeable Lion batteries... I think the reason they use the current coin cell batteries is so that they can be kept with bags etc throughout most passenger transports. The big drawback is the environmental cost and danger of children accidentally eating them :/

 

[ipaqrat]

Well, I for one have been wondering where the heck to keep those darn things.

My wife never hesitates to tell me where I can stick 'em.

 

[ArtOfWarfare]

I'm stunned for a moment everytime I remember that Apple AirTags are a thing.

It's such a mind numbingly bad idea. How did anyone at Apple honestly think that a low cost device to help stalkers was a good idea?

Obviously these are used far more for good than evil, but given the magnitude of the evil vs the benefits for legitimate uses, it seems these are a net negative to society. You can't even argue it was a good idea from a fiscal standpoint - I'm doubtful the profits from these are going to exceed the legal expenses.

 

[mnsportsgeek]

With all the litigation around this product and the continual back-peddling of features... the AirTag 2 is going to be little more than a storage case for your 2032 coin cell batteries.

Ya I'm not so sure there will be a 2nd gen at this point.

 

[Fuzzball84]

I'm stunned for a moment everytime I remember that Apple AirTags are a thing.

It's such a mind numbingly bad idea. How did anyone at Apple honestly think that a low cost device to help stalkers was a good idea?

Obviously these are used far more for good than evil, but given the magnitude of the evil vs the benefits for legitimate uses, it seems these are a net negative to society. You can't even argue it was a good idea from a fiscal standpoint - I'm doubtful the profits from these are going to exceed the legal expenses.

I think it made it easier for bad people to use such devices... if someone is really committed to tracking someone for whatever reason, there are other devices on the market. People can even use iPhones to track someone using find me if they really wanted...

I don't think Apple should drop these just because of a few really bad Apples!

In any case, they have made a decent attempt to prevent this as much as possible with proximity warnings etc

 

[WarmWinterHat]

I don't really have any use for these (keys always go in the exact same place, i'm not forgetful, wife uses android, etc), but they work well; I have a couple at work. Not sure what could be improved upon and still have a replaceable battery... More difficult to disconnect the speaker?

Not sure!

Edit: If they want to truly take these to the next level, allow full integration and tracking with Android, without having to download and install special Apple-provided apps...As-in partner with Google directly.

 

[mthomas184]

How did anyone at Apple honestly think that a low cost device to help stalkers was a good idea?

Because Apple is the only one that this happens to, right?

 

[4odomi]

Apple will not release a second-generation version of the AirTag until 2025, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Mass production on the accessory has reportedly been delayed until 2025, which has pushed back Apple's target launch timeline. Back in August, Kuo had said that mass production would kick off in the fourth quarter of 2024, suggesting a late 2024 or early 2025 launch.

According to Kuo, the AirTag 2 will be part of a new spatial computing ecosystem that Apple is building, with the Vision Pro serving as the core to integrate other devices. Kuo previously said that he believes the AirTag will integrate with the Vision Pro headset, but he still has not given much insight into what that means.

There is a possibility that the Ultra Wideband chip in the AirTag could be used for relaying positional information to the Vision Pro in some capacity, but just how Apple will use the AirTag with the Vision Pro remains to be seen.

We've heard little about a second-generation AirTag at this point, and there's no word on what Apple might include in terms of design changes, form factor updates, or feature additions.

A new AirTag would likely incorporate Apple's second-generation Ultra Wideband chip that debuted in the iPhone 15 models, allowing for even more precise tracking indoors.

Article Link: Kuo: AirTag 2 Postponed Until 2025

I suspect it won’t be launched until after the lawsuit

 

[CarAnalogy]

With all the litigation around this product and the continual back-peddling of features... the AirTag 2 is going to be little more than a storage case for your 2032 coin cell batteries.

I was thinking similar. With all the ambulance chasing around this I'd be surprised if they ever make a second version and don't sooner rather than later discontinue this one.

Having said that, what the article says about integration with Visio Pro sounds interesting. Like an X-Ray vision view of where the AirTag is maybe?