While Apple's AirTag has become a staple for keeping track of personal items since its 2021 debut, anticipation has been building for its successor. New details have now surfaced, not from a press release, but from within Apple's own software. Code discovered in an internal build of the upcoming iOS 26 provides the clearest picture yet of the improvements planned for the AirTag 2, suggesting a significant step forward in user experience and technical capability, with a likely launch in early 2026.
Leaked iOS 26 Code Uncovers Planned AirTag 2 Features
The roadmap for the next-generation AirTag appears to have been inadvertently laid out within Apple's development environment. Technology publications, including Macworld and Mac Rumors, report examining an internal build of iOS 26 where references to a device codenamed "2025AirTag" were found. This internal designation strongly suggests Apple originally targeted a 2025 release for the product. The code outlines five key areas of improvement for the new tracker, moving beyond simple iterative updates to address specific user pain points and technological limitations of the current model.
Reported AirTag 2 Improvements (from iOS 26 Code Leak):
- Improved Pairing Process: Streamlined setup for naming and emoji selection.
- Detailed Battery Reporting: More precise battery level indicators beyond a "low battery" warning.
- Enhanced Crowded Area Tracking: Better performance in environments with signal interference.
- Improved Moving Target Tracking: Addresses a key limitation of the current model's Precision Finding.
- Enhanced Precision Finding: Likely powered by a new UWB chip for greater accuracy and range.
A Smoother Start: Revamped Pairing and Detailed Battery Reporting
First on the list of enhancements is an improved pairing process. While pairing an existing AirTag is famously simple—involving little more than pulling a tab—the new system may streamline the steps for naming the device or selecting an emoji icon, making the initial setup even more intuitive. More concretely, the AirTag 2 is expected to provide users with detailed battery level reporting. Instead of a generic "low battery" warning, users will get a clearer, more precise indication of remaining power, allowing for better planning on when to replace the CR2032 coin cell battery and avoid unexpected downtime.
Smarter Tracking in Dynamic and Crowded Environments
The core functionality of finding items is set for a major upgrade. The leaked details indicate the AirTag 2 will offer more accurate tracking in crowded places, where signals from numerous devices can interfere. Furthermore, a noted limitation of the current "Precision Finding" feature—its reduced effectiveness when the AirTag itself is in motion—is being directly addressed. The new model promises improved tracking accuracy even when the tagged item is being carried or is on the move, a critical enhancement for scenarios like tracking luggage on an airport carousel or a pet in a park.
Under the Hood: Anticipated Hardware and Design Tweaks
While the external design of the AirTag 2 is expected to remain largely unchanged, retaining the compact, disc-like form factor and user-replaceable battery, internal hardware upgrades are all but certain. Previous rumors have pointed to the inclusion of a new, more advanced Ultra-Wideband (UWB) chip. This new silicon would be the engine behind the enhanced Precision Finding, potentially offering both greater precision and an increased effective range for directional tracking. On the security front, Apple may also redesign the speaker assembly to be more difficult to remove, a direct response to early concerns about the device being misused for unauthorized tracking.
Current vs. Expected AirTag 2 Specifications (Rumored):
| Feature | AirTag (Current, 2021) | AirTag 2 (Rumored) |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Codename | N/A | "2025AirTag" |
| Pairing Process | Simple (pull tab, basic naming) | Refined and more intuitive |
| Battery Info | Generic "Low Battery" alert | Detailed battery level reporting |
| Precision Finding | Effective on stationary items | Improved for moving targets |
| Crowded Area Performance | Can be less reliable | Enhanced tracking accuracy |
| Key Hardware | U1 Ultra-Wideband Chip | New, upgraded UWB chip |
| Speaker Security | Standard | Potentially harder to tamper with |
| Estimated Launch | April 2021 | Early 2026 |
Launch Timeline and Ecosystem Context
The "2025AirTag" codename hints at Apple's original launch ambitions, but with December 2025 already underway, a release this year seems improbable. The consensus among analysts observing Apple's product cycles is that the AirTag 2 is now most likely to arrive in early 2026. Interestingly, the same iOS 26 code that revealed the AirTag details also contained references to an updated HomePod mini, reportedly equipped with a new S10 chip. This suggests Apple is preparing a coordinated refresh of its accessory and smart home ecosystem, strengthening the interconnected network that makes devices like the AirTag so effective.
Conclusion: An Evolutionary Step for a Core Apple Accessory
The leaked specifications for the AirTag 2 point to a thoughtful, evolution-focused update. By refining the pairing experience, providing clearer battery data, and—most importantly—solving the challenges of tracking in crowds and while in motion, Apple is directly enhancing the product's reliability in real-world use. Coupled with the expected new UWB chip and continued integration into the vast Find My network, the AirTag 2 is shaping up to be a compelling upgrade that will solidify Apple's position in the personal item tracker market while offering current users tangible reasons to make the switch.