Apple will launch its next-generation AirTag item tracker in mid-2015, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Gurman’s comments came in his latest “Power On” newsletter.
Gurman says the next-generation version of the AirTag is codenamed “B589.” Apple is currently finishing up manufacturing tests with its Asian partner and the tracker is on schedule to launch around the middle of next year. Gurman says the new model will feature an upgraded chip, bringing enhanced location tracking capabilities.
In October 2023, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said mass production of the second-generation AirTag had been delayed until 2025.
Kuo believes the new AirTag will have better integration with Apple’s upcoming Vision Pro headset, as part of a spatial computing ecosystem. However, Kuo did not provide any additional details or mention any other potential new features for the item tracking tag.
AirTags are small and lightweight round devices, made of polished stainless steel, and are IP67 water- and dust-resistant. A built-in speaker plays sounds to help locate AirTag, while a removable cover makes it easy for users to replace the battery. The current AirTag is equipped with an Apple-designed U1 chip for Ultra Wideband, enabling a Precision Finding feature that displays the distance and direction to an AirTag.