William Gallagher
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has returned to his prediction of a second generation of AirTag in 2024, and is envisioning them working in tandem with Apple Vision Pro.
Back in June 2022, Ming-Chi Kuo made the hard-to-deny prediction that if AirTags were a success, Apple would develop a second generation model. Despite their problems, AirTags have become an enormous hit, so now Kuo is doubling down — but also getting more specific.
— (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) August 2, 2023
1. AirTag 24Q24
2. AppleVision ProAirTag 2
==
Prediction update:
1. AirTag 2 will likely go to mass production in 4Q24.
2. I believe that spatial computing is a new ecosystem that Apple wants https://t.co/GXkDIYLz84
Kuo is usually careful to specify when he is basing a report on sources within the supply industry, and he does not say that this time. What he does say in the full posting is that there is another reason for Apple to want to develop AirTags further.
"I believe that spatial computing is a new ecosystem that Apple wants to build, " writes Kuo, "using Vision Pro as the core to integrate other devices, including AirTag 2."
He gives no further details to his prediction, and has not indicated what development he thinks Apple can bring to a second generation AirTag.
While the AirTags hardware has remained unchanged since the device's launch in April 2021, the software has been updated specifically to improve its anti-stalking features.
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Wesley Hilliard
AppleInsider Staff
Andrew Orr
Amber Neely
6 Comments
An entire prediction and article that say absolutely nothing.
I wonder if Apple could cram a couple of ambient sensors into the AirTag? I’m thinking temperature and vibration to know what environmental conditions the tracked item has been subjected to during its journey. Vibration in the form of speech detection would probably be frowned upon for privacy reasons. The size of the transducer would also limit it to detecting higher frequencies, which could theoretically be used for queue based two-way Morse code communication. Hmmm.
Will we attach the AirTag to keep track of where our $3,500 glasses are? Lost behind the couch cushion?
AirTags are a solid product as is, but could benefit from a few update revisions: louder, better range and an attachment hole integrated into the design. It's just silly that you have to buy a separate item to physically attach an AirTag to anything. For this reason, I use AirTags only for places where it can be stowed--my luggage, car, etc.--but for key rings, attachment to backpacks, etc, I use Chipolo ONE Spot, which connects to Find My. (I was a long-time Tile user in the pre-AirTag days, but when Tile was bought out by a company known for consumer privacy abuse, I switched.) I would also LOVE to see Apple develop a very thin AirTag wallet card. I currently use the Chipolo CARD Spot, which is fine and connects to Find My, but a bit thicker than I'd prefer for wallet use.
Waiting for a thin wallet version. For now, the Eufy is working great.