Apple’s AirTag has been a widely used gadget to track misplaced stuff, but its range often became a cause of frustration for the users. That could well change with the reportedly imminent release of the AirTag 2, which is expected to introduce some major upgrades, including a much longer range.
Enhanced Range Courtesy of New UWB Chip
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his latest “Power On” newsletter, Apple reportedly is working on a new version of the AirTag. The biggest upgrade? A new ultra-wideband chip, one which would theoretically extend its tracking range to impressive levels.
Currently, the original AirTag has an operational range of about 33 to 98 feet (10 to 30 meters) when using Precision Finding. With the AirTag 2, this range could reportedly go up to three times farther. That means users may see a range that goes over 300 feet, making the new tracker far more competitive in the market.
How AirTag 2 Stacks Up Against Competitors
Until now, Bluetooth trackers like Tile have dominated the market when it comes to range options, claiming 100 to 500 feet (30 to 152 meters) depending on the model. The rumored range expansion in AirTag 2 could narrow the gap between Apple’s offering and its rivals.
For everyday users, this means fewer “not reachable” errors and better usability for locating items across larger distances. Whether you’re tracking keys left in a faraway room or a misplaced backpack, the AirTag 2 could provide a seamless experience with fewer limitations.
What This Means for Apple Users
If the AirTag 2 lives up to its rumor and speculation, it will not only be convenient but also further seal Apple’s lead in the market of trackers. Increased range, combined with the device being baked into the Apple ecosystem and with features such as Precision Finding, could make it the tracker of choice.
Also, this aligns with the company’s trend of continuous development and enhancing user experiences. A next-generation UWB chip would likely set the standard for location trackers again and get even more users using the AirTag 2.
Expected Launch
While Apple hasn’t confirmed the AirTag 2 or any of its features, Gurman thinks it will arrive sometime next year. If that happens, expect plenty of interest, particularly from those looking for an updated tracker with advanced features.
Conclusion
AirTag 2 has the ambition to fix one of the largest downsides of its predecessor-limited range. Capable of expanding the distance for tracking by as much as three times the original AirTag, this could be a serious competitor to the best of the best, such as Tile, and redefine the expectations of users from location trackers.
Though it’s yet to be announced officially by Apple, such rumored enhancements already make many tech-savvy enthusiasts excited. Provided the AirTag 2 is going to turn out at least as cool as everybody expects, then it could be just the thing that will help everyone keep track of their belongings easily.