The unique AirTag landed again in 2021, so it is over a 12 months previous now, which on this planet of tech usually means a successor is due – which is able to presumably be known as the AirTag 2.

After all, there’s solely a lot an merchandise tracker like this may do, so it hardly wants yearly updates, however by the point the subsequent mannequin lands we’ll seemingly be not less than two years on from the unique.

In any case, eventually we’ll most likely get an AirTag 2, not least as a result of a good analyst has recommended as a lot – and we’ll get extra into the main points of that under. This text will even be used to deal with any extra information and rumors in regards to the AirTag 2 as soon as we hear something extra.

However for now, in addition to the small quantity of data we’ve heard to date, we’ve included a want record of issues that we would like from an AirTag 2, to make it value shopping for.

Reduce to the chase

• What’s it? The following era of AirTag
• When is it out? Not earlier than 2023 on the earliest
• How a lot will it value? Unknown for now

Apple AirTag 2 launch date and worth

Proper now we don’t even know if there might be an AirTag 2, however in response to Ming-Chi Kuo – an analyst with a terrific observe report for Apple data – the corporate may develop an AirTag 2 if shipments of the present AirTag proceed to develop.

Kuo’s precise phrasing is that they “imagine Apple will develop the 2nd era” beneath these circumstances, so it appears like this may simply be an opinion reasonably than any inside data, and in addition like improvement won’t even have began but.

So we wouldn’t depend on seeing an AirTag 2 in any respect, and if we do it gained’t arrive earlier than 2023 on the absolute earliest.

In any case, we’re virtually on the finish of 2022 on the time of writing, with no AirTag 2 in sight – if this merchandise tracker was going to land this 12 months, it most likely would have accomplished on the iPhone 14 launch in September or the iPad Professional 2022 launch in October, but it surely did not even get a point out.

Give that we nonetheless have not actually heard something in regards to the AirTag 2 as of December 2022, we would suppose it most likely will not land earlier than late 2023 – maybe on the iPhone 15 launch, however that is pure hypothesis for now. That might make it nicely over two years on from the April 2021 launch of the unique AirTag.

There’s no information on what the Apple AirTag 2 may cost, however for reference the unique AirTag retails for $29 / £29 / AU$45 should you purchase one, or $99 / £99 / AU$149 should you purchase a pack of 4. We’d suppose the AirTag 2 would most likely have the same worth, but it surely won’t relying on what upgrades it has.

Information and leaks

Apart from a imprecise suggestion that Apple may make an AirTag 2, there’s no information in any respect about it but. We’ll fill out this part as quickly as that adjustments.

What we need to see

The AirTag arrived absolutely shaped, so there’s not an enormous quantity of room for enchancment, however there are some things that Apple might do with an AirTag 2, reminiscent of the next.

1. Android help

That is Apple we’re speaking about, so it’s no shock that AirTag doesn’t work with Android, however it could be a much more fascinating and standard machine if it did.

Clearly, that will open it as much as Android customers, of which there are much more globally than iPhone customers. However it could additionally make it extra interesting to those that personal an iPhone now, however who don’t essentially plan to at all times accomplish that.

And AirTag isn’t the type of factor that will persuade somebody to modify to iPhone for, so there’s actually no apparent cause to lock out Android. So whereas we’d be extremely stunned if AirTag 2 did help Android, we actually hope it does.

2. A extra sturdy design

Whereas we don’t really feel the AirTag is overly fragile, our assessment famous that it did grow to be simply scuffed in just some days of use, so for the AirTag 2 we’d like a design that’s simpler to maintain pristine.

Given the character of the AirTag that may be difficult, notably should you’re attaching it to a bag, or another factor the place it’s uncovered to the surface world, however we’re positive Apple can handle it.

3. Higher waterproofing

The unique Apple AirTag has an IP67 ranking, which means that it’s splash and water-resistant to a depth of as much as 1 meter for as much as 30 minutes. That ought to most likely be loads, but it surely’s lower than some telephones (such because the iPhone 13 line), and on condition that your AirTag may be extra uncovered to the weather, we’d wish to see an enchancment right here.

At a minimal then we would like the AirTag 2 to have an IP68 ranking, matching most flagship telephones, however the extra waterproof it’s the higher.

4. Shared entry

One useful characteristic of some rival location trackers reminiscent of Tile is the power to offer different individuals (reminiscent of members of the family) entry to them, in order that they will help you observe down your misplaced merchandise.

This may very well be particularly useful if, for instance, you’re out and suppose you left the merchandise you’re monitoring at residence. In that scenario, giving a member of the family or housemate entry to your AirTag might velocity up the method of finding it. So we’d wish to see this added for the AirTag 2.

5. A cheaper price

On the earth of Apple units and tech normally, an AirTag isn’t wildly costly. In reality, it carries the same worth to most rival trackers. However if you wish to buy one in all Apple’s key fobs or straps to be able to really connect the AirTag to one thing then the value rockets up, with these equipment usually costing greater than the AirTag itself.

So for the AirTag 2 we would like both the machine itself to be cheaper or for these equipment to be. Or higher but, each.

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