Apple’s second-generation AirTag is rumored to deliver a meaningful set of upgrades designed to make the accessory more useful and reliable for everyday users. Since its launch in 2021, the AirTag has become a popular tracking tool within the Apple ecosystem, but its hardware has not received a refresh. The new version is now expected to bring both functional and security-related improvements.
According to industry sources, AirTag 2 could debut as early as Apple’s September 9, 2025 iPhone event, alongside the iPhone 17 lineup and other new hardware. If announced during this event, it would mark the first time Apple has refreshed its location tracker in four years, suggesting that the company sees an opportunity to enhance one of its most affordable but widely adopted accessories.
The new AirTag is rumored to feature a redesigned battery system that extends life significantly beyond the current one-year average. Users have frequently raised concerns about replacing the small CR2032 coin cell battery, and Apple’s engineering adjustments may help cut down on the inconvenience of frequent swaps. Improved energy efficiency would also make the device more reliable for long-term use in keychains, luggage tags, and other personal items.
Another major rumored upgrade is improved ultra-wideband technology, which powers the Precision Finding feature. This enhancement would allow more accurate real-time location tracking, even in busy or signal-challenged environments such as airports, malls, and underground spaces. Stronger signal performance may also make it easier to track items across multiple floors in a building or in areas with concrete walls that typically interfere with Bluetooth and UWB signals.
Apple is also said to be reinforcing its efforts against unwanted tracking. While software updates to the original AirTag introduced alerts and compatibility fixes with Android devices, AirTag 2 may include hardware-level improvements to prevent misuse. This would further align with Apple’s broader focus on privacy and safety across its product ecosystem.
In addition, AirTag 2 is expected to integrate more tightly with iOS 26 and the Find My app. Faster pairing with iPhones, more customizable notifications, and possibly new alert options are among the rumored refinements. These changes would build on Apple’s goal of making the device not just a tracker but a more intelligent part of its ecosystem.
Although pricing details remain unclear, Apple is likely to keep AirTag 2 close to the original’s $29 entry point to maintain its appeal as a mass-market accessory. By positioning the refresh alongside flagship announcements like the iPhone 17, Apple can leverage event attention to highlight how AirTag has evolved into a more powerful tool for keeping personal items safe and secure.
