Second-gen AirTag probably won't ship until 2025
Malcolm Owen
Apple's second-generation AirTag won't be shipping in 2024, a report claims, with the next iteration of the tracker apparently delayed due to an inventory surplus of the first model.
The AirTag has become a hugely popular accessory in Apple's catalog, but it seems that consumers may have a long wait ahead of them before being able to buy the next version.
Writing in the "Power On" newsletter for Bloomberg, Mark Gurman claims Apple isn't in any rush to move on to AirTag 2 at the moment. In fact, it may not do so in 2024, and could wait until 2025.
This rumor seems to correlate with another report from October, insisting that manufacturing of AirTag 2 won't start until late 2024 for an early 2025 release.
Gurman adds that the reason for this is due to the AirTag, which Apple "clearly over-produced," with stock in retail stores still high. Warehouses are also said to be "full to the brim with AirTags."
While the first-gen model has proven itself to be very useful, the second-gen version is anticipated to have an upgraded wireless chip to "bring it in line with newer parts inside the latest iPhones and Apple Watches." This could mean the use of a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, which will supposedly extend the range of the chip.
William Gallagher
Andrew Orr
Mike Wuerthele and Malcolm Owen
Andrew O'Hara
Charles Martin
13 Comments
Extended range, especially for Precision Tracking, would be welcome, but it's not really something that's been a problem for me so far. Otherwise, it's kind of hard to imagine what new generation hardware might bring - maybe other form factors? Some of the really thin wallet versions from third-parties are nice but lack Precision Tracking.
The potentially valuable update is to make the AirTag rechargeable. The form factor for the AirTag fits the watch charger very well. As Apple moves to reducing waste, a rechargeable AirTag 2 helps get a check in the box and reduce the hassle of changing batteries. Potentially that update enables them to reuse thinner batteries (maybe borrow from apple watch?).
I didn't know that rechargeable button cell batteries existed. I guess you need a special charger. The charger I have only takes size D, C, A,A, and AAA.
Tom