Apple is said to be gearing up to release AirTag 2 next year, roughly four years after the original model. This upcoming version will have a lot more to demonstrate compared to most of Apple’s other offerings. Here’s why it’s significant.
AirTag 2 will feature three major improvements
Typically, AirTag isn’t the kind of gadget you would anticipate seeing annual revisions for, as it serves a straightforward utility purpose. However, after several years since the original launch, Apple appears to have substantial enhancements lined up.
As noted by Mark Gurman:
the new version will resemble the existing model, but it will provide enhanced range, upgrade the onboard wireless technology, and enhance privacy features
I want to highlight that last point—privacy—because it’s a critical area where I believe Apple must deliver with AirTag 2.
Privacy will be a top priority for AirTag 2
Since the launch of the first AirTag, numerous reports have emerged detailing its misuse, particularly by individuals using it to track others without their consent. This troubling trend has raised significant concerns.
Although Apple has implemented measures to mitigate these issues, there’s still considerable room for improvement—and launching a new device heightens the expectations for enhancements.
According to Gurman, with AirTag 2, Apple will introduce features making it more challenging for someone to detach the speaker from the device. This modification is intended to ensure that any maliciously used AirTags still emit a sound, thereby increasing their detectability.
I’m optimistic that Apple will also enhance the internal speaker’s functionality, rendering detection signals harder to overlook.
The main objective for Apple with AirTag 2 should be to ensure it is as unwelcoming to stalkers as possible.
The company frequently emphasizes its commitment to user privacy. However, with AirTag, it has unintentionally provided a tool conducive to severe privacy infringements.
Enhancing technical specifications, such as improved range and a more efficient wireless chip, will not suffice on their own. Apple must demonstrate that it has learned from the past four years of AirTag misuse by making AirTag 2 as secure and privacy-conscious as feasible.
This likely necessitates hardware modifications, but I also anticipate software updates aimed at completely eliminating AirTag stalking incidents.
What enhancements do you wish to see in AirTag 2? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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