AirTag may not seem like it's crying out for a successor; after all, it only landed in 2021, and there's not much an item tracker like this can do. So it hardly needs yearly updates, but Apple could provide an AirTag 2.
A renowned analyst suggested it, and we'll talk about it in more detail below. This article will also be used to house additional AirTag 2 news and rumors once we hear more.
But for now, in addition to the small amount of information we've heard so far, we've included a list of things we want from an AirTag 2, to make it worth checking out.
cut to hunt
- What is it? The next generation of AirTag
- When did it come out? Probably not before 2023 at the earliest
- How much will it cost? unknown at this time
Apple AirTag 2 release date and price
Right now, we don't even know if there will be an AirTag 2, but according to Ming-Chi Kuo, a long-time analyst for Apple Information, the company could develop an AirTag 2 if shipments of the 'Current AirTag continue to grow.
Kuo's exact wording is that they "believe Apple will develop the second generation" under these circumstances, so it sounds like it might be opinion rather than inside information, and also that development may not have started yet.
So we're not counting on seeing an AirTag 2 at all, and if we do, it probably won't come until 2023 at the earliest.
There's no word on what the Apple AirTag 2 might cost, but for reference, the original AirTag retails for €29 / £29 / AU$45 if you buy one, or €99 / £99 / AU$149 if you buy a bundle. of four. We think the AirTag 2 would probably be priced similarly, but that might not depend on what upgrades it gets.
News and Leaks
Aside from a vague suggestion that Apple might be making an AirTag 2, there's no word yet on that. We will complete this section as soon as this changes.
what we want to see
The AirTag arrived fully formed, so there's not much room for improvement, but there are a few things Apple could do with an AirTag 2, like the following.
1. Android support
This is Apple we're talking about, so it's no surprise that AirTag doesn't work with Android, but it would be a much more desirable and popular device if it did.
That would obviously open it up to Android users, of which there are far more in the world than iPhone users. But it would also make it more appealing to those who now have an iPhone but don't necessarily plan to have it forever.
And AirTag isn't the kind of thing that would convince someone to switch to the iPhone, so there's really no obvious reason to lock down Android. So while we'd be very surprised if AirTag 2 was compatible with Android, we really hope it is.
2. A more sustainable design
While we don't think the AirTag is too flimsy, our review noted that it scratches easily within a few days of use, so for the AirTag 2, we'd like a design that's easier to keep spotless.
Given the nature of the AirTag, this can be tricky, especially if you put it in a bag or somewhere else where it's exposed to the outside world, but we're sure Apple can handle it.
3. Better sealing
The original Apple AirTag has an IP67 rating, which means it's splash and water resistant to a depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. It should probably be a lot, but it's less than some phones (like the iPhone 13 lineup), and since its AirTag might be more exposed to the elements, we'd like to see an improvement here.
At a minimum, we want the AirTag 2 to have an IP68 rating, to match most flagship phones, but the more waterproof the better.
4. Shared access
A useful feature of some rival location trackers like Tile is the ability to give access to other people (like family members), so they can help you find your missing item.
This could be particularly useful if, for example, you're away and think you've left the item you're tracking at home. In this situation, giving a family member or roommate access to your AirTag could speed up the tracking process. So we would like this to be added for AirTag 2.
5. Lower price
In the world of Apple devices and technology in general, an AirTag is not very expensive. In fact, its price is similar to that of most competing trackers. But if you want to buy one of Apple's keychains or straps to attach the AirTag to something, the price skyrockets, and those accessories often cost more than the AirTag itself.
So for AirTag 2, we want the device itself to be cheaper, or these accessories to be cheaper. Or better yet, both.