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AirTag Shipments Reportedly Grown Over Time, Making Second-Generation Model More Likely

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Apple has gradually sold an increasing number of AirTags, despite not receiving much attention, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

airtag-in-hand.jpg

In a tweet, Kuo explained that he believes Apple shipped around 20 million AirTag item trackers in 2021, rising to 35 million in 2022:



He added that if the trend continues and AirTag shipments grow further, Apple may be more likely to develop a second-generation version of the device. It is unclear what an upgraded AirTag could offer, but early rumors and patent filings related to the device suggested that it could be rechargeable instead of using a disposable CR2032 battery, feature motion sensing for AR and VR, or even offer proximity-based experiences for commercial settings.

Article Link: AirTag Shipments Reportedly Grown Over Time, Making Second-Generation Model More Likely
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2022/06/20/airtag-shipments-reportedly-grown-over-time/
Wokis said:
Calling it now. "Gen 1"s are going to shoot up in price the day they launch "gen 2", as they would probably want to make the new ones tamper proof against people disabling the speaker.
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No, they won’t.

Why would anyone, more specifically a consumer, pay more for a GEN one AirTag that would cost more than a GEN two product that’s the newest version. Not only that, but the GEN one AirTag will be more limited in software updates.
 
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I was using trackers to help find my keys before Apple offered them, and just wanted to try theirs. Will probably stick with Air Tags unless the competition does something much better.
 
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Really happy with my AirTags, they give me a little peace of mind.

Would be nice if they had a rechargeable option in the future, and maybe one that was more rugged / waterproof (for attaching to an adventurous pet or something).
 
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They need to integrate wireless charging into them if they're going to get the bulk down. A slimmer custom battery is possible and a wireless coil is paper thin. The current bulk of an AirTag comes from using a consumer available coin battery that they have no control over. A slimmer battery would just need to stay powered on for a few months after which a quick charge with any wireless Qi or MagSafe charger would top it up. They could get these things to fit in a wallet with no bulk.
 
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Relentless Power said:
No, they won’t.

Why would anyone, more specifically a consumer, pay more for a GEN one AirTag that would cost more than a GEN two product that’s the newest version. Not only that, but the GEN one AirTag will be more limited in software updates.
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I thought I was perfectly clear on why? I’m talking secondary markets ofc as Apple would likely discontinue them altogether.
 
Wokis said:
I’m talking secondary markets ofc as Apple would likely discontinue them altogether.
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Of course Apple would discontinue the first Gens. They wouldn’t have a secondary new GEN version of an AirPod competing against a previous GEN, when it’s such a new product segment for Apple all together.

Not only that, your ‘speaker point’ to why they would raise the price seems a bit ludicrous. The majority of consumers probably have no idea about ‘speaker hack’ that certainly wouldn’t increase the price, unless it’s a very small niche market that actually knows specifically what they’re looking for.
 
I think the biggest improvements for me would be:

1. Rechargeable battery. Coin cells are annoying, dangerous to small children, and not environmentally friendly. Could you make an AirTag that charges on an Apple Watch charger, or any wireless phone charger?

2. Thinner profile. If the AirTag wasn’t so fat it could fit inside wallets, for example. I recently lost my wallet so this is a sore point for me. I almost certainly would still have it if it had had an AirTag!
 
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Relentless Power said:
If you have to worry/be concerned about ‘where your car is’ when it’s getting repaired, I’d probably suggest a new repair shop.

Just sayin’.
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Nah not really concerned but good to know that they picked it up and was good to see the route and how many it took. It’s been away for a few weeks now and the first stage i didn’t know it was picked up until they called me so at least with this I know it was picked up when it was supposed to be.

maybe times it’s helped where I parked the car when I parked it elsewhere. Overall air tags are a great peace of mind.
 
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