APPLE: AirTag 2 Tracker rumours, including new features and launch date

After nearly four years on the market, Apple’s AirTags tracking accessory is expected to get a long-awaited redesign. Although some airlines initially banned the devices, passengers have widely adopted them. After a deep dive into the latest iPhone operating system, iOS 18.6, programmers have found some code hints lurking within the operating system. Here’s what’s emerging about the AirTag 2, based on recent MacRumors, 9to5 Mac and ET coverage.

Rumoured launch date 9 September 2025

Initial rumours pointed to a mid-2025 release, targeting the WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) back in June. That didn’t happen. (MacRumors). Now, new reports suggest Apple may be looking at a September 9 date when it is rumoured the new models of the iPhone 17 will launch.

Same look but with more features

While retaining its current familiar circular design, the AirTag 2 is expected to deliver several important functional improvements:

• New UWB chip giving extended range: Incorporating Apple’s second-generation Ultra Wideband technology—already seen in the iPhone 15 and Apple Watch Ultra 2—promises up to three times the precision range of the current model
• Anti‑stalking safety: The downside of the tag’s abilities has been the use of them in coercive control relationships, as a stalking tool. A more tamper‑resistant speaker design will make it harder to disable or hide alert tones, which could inform the victim of the stalking activity
• Battery alerts refined, and/or rechargeable battery: Leaked iOS 18.6 code suggests two styles of battery warning, including ‘low’ and ‘very low’. Some are also suggesting the Tag’s will be rechargeable, while others say the replaceable CR2032 batteries will stay
• Vision Pro interaction: A possible integration with Apple’s Vision Pro headset is also rumoured. Think along the lines of spatial tracking or immersive object-finding features

With these features and if released this September, the AirTag 2 could offer much more reliable tracking over longer distances, heightened privacy, and seamless integration into Apple’s Artificial Reality ecosystem. The upgraded safety measures also address long-standing concerns about misuse.

Feature	What We Know
Release	Likely September 2025 (iPhone 17 event possible)
Design	Unchanged circular form
Ultra Wideband	2nd-gen UWB, ~3× range of the original
Safety	Less tamper-prone speaker for anti-stalking
Battery	CR2032 replaceable or rechargeable, improved alerts
Vision Pro	A less tamper-prone speaker for anti-stalking

2PAXfly Takeout

I’m an Apple/Mac universe tragic from long ago. I was also an early adopter of the AirTags, so I am viewing this development with some interest.

The increased accuracy and rechargeability aspects of the rumoured improvements interest me the most. I’m not sure I will upgrade as soon as they are available, but AirTags 2 will appear on my Christmas list. Maybe I’ll get mine engraved next time.