Key Points
- Apple plans to launch the second-generation AirTag by mid-2025.
- The new design will make tampering with or removing the speaker harder, enhancing safety measures against misuse.
- Upgrades include an improved range and a more advanced wireless chip.
- The changes aim to tackle misuse concerns, such as stalking incidents, which have been reported since the AirTag’s debut.
Apple is preparing to release a second-generation AirTag with notable privacy enhancements and improved features, addressing concerns raised since the tracker’s debut. According to Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter, the upgraded AirTag is expected to launch by mid-2025, offering users more security against misuse while improving overall performance.
The AirTag initially introduced as a convenient tracking device for everyday use, has faced scrutiny due to reports of misuse, including stalking incidents. These concerns have led to a class-action lawsuit and prompted Apple to introduce safety measures such as sound alerts notifying users of unknown AirTags in their vicinity. However, a key vulnerability has persisted—bad actors can easily disable the speaker, undermining these safeguards.
To address this, Apple’s next-generation AirTag will feature a design that makes the speaker more tamper-proof. By making it significantly harder to remove, Apple aims to strengthen the device’s privacy protections, ensuring that individuals are alerted if an AirTag is near them without their consent.
Beyond the privacy-focused updates, the new AirTag is expected to include technological improvements. Apple plans to enhance the device’s range and upgrade its onboard wireless chip, likely improving its connectivity and location accuracy. However, the device’s appearance will remain largely unchanged from that of the first generation.
These updates align with Apple’s commitment to balancing functionality and user safety. Since its launch, the AirTag has been embraced as a reliable tool for tracking personal items like keys, bags, and wallets. However, the reports of stalking incidents have cast a shadow on its reputation, sparking demands for stronger protections.
The new AirTag could help Apple rebuild trust by demonstrating that it takes privacy concerns seriously while continuing to deliver a high-performance product. As the release date approaches, further details are expected about how Apple will address these challenges and integrate the new features into its existing Find My ecosystem.
