Skip to main content

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

Apple is eyeing enhanced range and privacy boost on AirTag 2

Person holding an Apple AirTag.
Apple

The second-generation object tracker from Apple is not too far away, and it seems the next iteration will serve improvements in a few crucial areas. In the latest edition of his PowerOn newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that the AirTag 2 has moved to the “manufacturing tests” stage. 

As far as the design goes, they will look similar to the current version, but the internals have been upgraded. The most notable change among them is making it more difficult to remove the speaker assembly within the object tracker. 

Recommended Videos

The speaker fitted inside an AirTag emits a beeping sound, which not only helps the owner locate it but also alerts an unsuspecting person if an unidentified AirTag is moving with them. 

Please enable Javascript to view this content

Bad actors leveraged this system for stalking and other unscrupulous activities. Back in 2022, silent AirTags that had their speaker removed popped up for sale on eBay and Etsy. 

Nomad Apple TV Siri Remote Case with an AirTag installed.
Phil Nickinson / Digital Trends

To counter such misuse, Apple released a display alert with sound feature. This was done so that when an AirTag is nearby and it can’t emit a sound because of tampering with the speaker, at least the notification on a phone’s screen will alert a person. 

The Bloomberg report also mentions improved privacy but doesn’t dig into any specific details. Ever since the AirTags were launched, Apple has been busy plugging privacy loopholes that have been exploited in diverse ways. 

More importantly, the second-gen AirTag will also offer an enhanced tracking range. The current version relies on Bluetooth, which means their range is about 10 meters or roughly 30 feet. For comparison, the Samsung Galaxy Smart Tag 2 offers a 120-meter range. 

Currently in development under the codename B589, the AirTag successor will also come armed with an upgraded wireless chip. The first-gen AirTag comes equipped with the U1 chip, which enables Ultra Wideband and Precision Finding support. There is no word regarding any improvements to battery life or pricing, but the market launch is expected for next year.

Nadeem Sarwar
Nadeem is a tech journalist who started reading about cool smartphone tech out of curiosity and soon started writing…
Motorola’s AirTag rival is now on sale. Here’s where you can buy it
The Moto Tag attached to a suitcase.

If you’ve been eagerly awaiting Motorola’s AirTag rival, the Moto Tag, since its announcement back in June, good news! It is now available for purchase, and it’s one of the coolest little item trackers out there.

For those who aren’t aware of what the Moto Tag is, it’s basically a better version of Apple's AirTag. It’s a Bluetooth tracker that will help you find and locate any of your items that it is attached to. Some popular choices are keys, purses and backpacks, wallets, and more. The Moto Tag has a sleek and compact design that makes it easy to attach to your valuable items, and its shape makes it compatible with a lot of existing accessories on the market.

Read more
I went running with the Galaxy Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Ultra 2, and the results shocked me
Someone wearing the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Ultra 2 on the same wrist.

Two of the most ultra smartwatches available right now shouldn't come as any surprise. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the biggest and baddest smartwatch for iPhone owners, while Android fans now have the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra. Ultras for everyone!

Although I don't participate in ultra-level activities like mountain climbing or diving, I love running. It's the type of exercise I enjoy the most, and as such, I need my smartwatch to be a suitable running companion.

Read more
Moto Tag is Motorola’s answer to AirTags, and it looks way better
The Moto Tag attached to a suitcase.

Along with its all-new Razr Plus (2024) and Razr (2024) flip phones, Motorola has also just announced the Moto Tag. As the name implies, this is Motorola's own version of the Apple AirTag.

The Moto Tag is a Bluetooth tracker that will help users keep tabs on their most valuable items anywhere in the world. It features a sleek and compact design with enhanced security that Motorola promises is intuitive and easy to use. Despite being the "Moto" Tag, it is compatible with most Android smartphones, not just Motorola phones.

Read more