Apple AirTag 2: Four New Features Found in iOS 26 Code

[MacRumors]

The AirTag 2 will include a handful of new features that will improve tracking capabilities, according to a new report from Macworld. The site says that it was able to access an internal build of iOS 26, which includes references to multiple unreleased products.

Here's what's supposedly coming:

• An improved pairing process, though no details were provided. AirTag pairing is already fairly simple, but there's room for improvement with the naming and emoji selection.
• Detailed battery level reporting.
• An "Improved Moving" feature that Macworld speculates will allow users to find the precise location of an AirTag when it's moving. Precision Finding in the current AirTag can't handle movement well.
• A feature for improving tracking in crowded places.

We've been hearing rumors about a new version of the AirTag for years now, and it's supposedly getting upgraded tracking with a new Ultra Wideband chip. The new chip will improve Precision Finding range, and it could also add these new tracking capabilities.

So far, there have been no rumors of a redesign, so the AirTag 2 will presumably look like the original AirTag. It will continue to feature a replaceable battery, though it could also get upgraded speakers that are harder to remove.

The AirTag is apparently labeled "2025AirTag" in the iOS 26 code, which suggests that Apple might have been planning to release it in 2025. At this point, it's not clear when it will launch, but it's looking like we might get it in early 2026.

Macworld also spotted signs of the next-generation HomePod mini with S10 chip, a smarter version of Siri, and references to the home hub device that Apple is working on. We've previously seen extensive rumors about all of these products, and rumors suggest we'll see them around the March or April timeframe.

Article Link: Apple AirTag 2: Four New Features Found in iOS 26 Code

 

[A.W..]

Looking forward to the release

 

[Justin Cymbal]

Detailed battery level reporting

Would like Apple to have a BUILT-IN battery 🔋

We would all prefer MagSafe chargering

 

[hieranonymous]

Didn’t the original AirTags sit shrinkwrapped in warehouses for an entire year before Apple decided to release them?

 

[alexandr]

Would like Apple to have a BUILT-IN battery 🔋

We would all prefer MagSafe chargering

I wouldn't — it would never last nearly as long as it does now. Some of the AirTags I have are mounted and attached in various places, I'd rather not pull them out every couple of weeks.

 

[ELman]

Didn’t the original AirTags sit shrinkwrapped in warehouses for an entire year before Apple decided to release them?

Along side the Apple TV's

 

[gomichaelgo]

I wouldn't — it would never last nearly as long as it does now. Some of the AirTags I have are mounted and attached in various places, I'd rather not pull them out every couple of weeks.

I would

 

[philrock]

Mine stopped pairing and I can't figure out why. I am looking forward to a 2nd gen version. I hope they are the same formfactor tho so I don't have to buy all new holders.

 

[MakaniKai]

It’s unsurprising that the updates are minimal. The current AirTag is absolutely fantastic. They created a nearly perfect tracker right from the start imo. I love my AirTags and put them on around 16 items so far. I guess my wishlist would basically be longer range, louder speaker, and improved ability to tell me how far above/below me it is, not just how far distance wise (so I know if I left something upstairs or downstairs).

 

[klasma]

They should make a credit card-sized version already. Or allow third-party manufacturers to implement precision finding.

 

[Alan-in-CO]

I wouldn't — it would never last nearly as long as it does now. Some of the AirTags I have are mounted and attached in various places, I'd rather not pull them out every couple of weeks.

Agree. I have some in very hard places to get to. A company called ElevationLab makes a multi-year battery case that looks interesting. I have nothing to do with the company, but I have purchased some of their other AirTag cases over the years and have been very happy with them.

5-year AirTag battery case

 

[DavidLeblond]

I have 4 air tags, wallet, keys, spare keys, water bottle and they're all great, except the water bottle that for some reason drains batteries quickly. Waiting for AirTag 2 to come out to replace it because why not.

 

[Rychiar]

sucks, terrible design. make something that's actually easy to carry like a card or a clip.

 

[A.W..]

Would like Apple to have a BUILT-IN battery 🔋

We would all prefer MagSafe chargering

But then you would have to throw it when the battery is out of life. It's very big problem with the Apple Pencil

 

[TVreporter]

Would have made a killing for Christmas gifts…

Been talked about for years and good old Gurman said multiple times they would be out this year (along with new Apple TVs) but nothing. But he’ll move the goal posts to “Q1 2026.”

 

[Compile 'em all]

what I don’t get is why are they sitting on the new AirTags, why not release them. The only explanation is they want to get rid of stock, would explain the almost permanent discount on Amazon. But they ain’t gonna get me, I’m a nerd and will be waiting 🤣. So a January or a February release?

For those saying the update is minimal, having 3x the current range is massive and is alone a reason to upgrade.

 

[alexandr]

Agree. I have some in very hard places to get to. A company called ElevationLab makes a multi-year battery case that looks interesting. I have nothing to do with the company, but I have purchased some of their other AirTag cases over the years and have been very happy with them.

5-year AirTag battery case

OMG that's amazing, I've heard of the company because they make waterproof AirTag cases, but I never knew about this! This is really great! Thank you for sharing! Funny how everyone will assume that you're trying to sell them something these days

 

[unique-macrumors-user]

I wouldn't — it would never last nearly as long as it does now. Some of the AirTags I have are mounted and attached in various places, I'd rather not pull them out every couple of weeks.

they should use the same battery as the apple watch tv remote, it is eternal

 

[alexandr]

they should use the same battery as the apple watch tv remote, it is eternal

Yea, but that battery is larger than the entire AirTag )

 

[Zenman12]

Smaller and flatter? It’s difficult to use them for things.