Apple hasn't updated its most popular tracker in years, and after several leaks, everything points to the long-awaited AirTag 2 being a Update focused on accuracy, motion tracking, and clearer battery managementThe clues come directly from the internal code of iOS 26, where very specific references to the new accessory have been found.
The original AirTags have become a common tool for avoid losing keys, backpacks, suitcases, or even keep an eye on your parked carrelying on Apple's Search network. However, after more than four years on the market, the current model shows certain limitations, especially in environments with high wireless interference and when the object is movingThat's precisely where the second generation wants to make a difference.
What exactly is the AirTag 2 and what has iOS 26 revealed?
The various leaks all point to the same source: one Internal build of iOS 26 showing a device identified as “2025AirTag”That codename suggests Apple was considering a 2025 launch, although plans have reportedly shifted to 2026. Beyond the date, the important thing is that the system includes direct references to new features specific to the second generation.
According to the analysis of that code, Apple is adjusting both the hardware and software of the tracker to offer More stable performance on the move, more refined precision search, and much more detailed battery controlTherefore, this is not a simple minor tweak, but a set of changes designed to polish the weak points of the first version.
Meanwhile, specialized media outlets such as MacWorld, MacRumors, and 9to5Mac agree that The development of AirTag 2 is very advanced and that the features discovered in iOS 26 are part of Apple's roadmap for its next generation of trackers.
Although the company remains silent, the presence of these references within the iPhone's operating system itself is a sign that the launch It shouldn't be delayed much longer than next year, probably coinciding with other new developments in the ecosystem.
Continuity in design and key internal changes
Regarding physical appearance, leaks suggest that The AirTag 2 would maintain an almost identical design to the current one.It would still be a small, circular disc, designed to be hung on keychains or placed in wallets, backpacks, and suitcases. No major aesthetic revolution or radical changes in materials are expected.
It is also mentioned that The battery will continue to be of type CR2032 and will still be user-replaceable.This rules out the idea of a rechargeable battery for now. This decision allows for a very compact design and simplifies maintenance, which is especially relevant in Europe, where easy battery replacement is increasingly regulated.
Where there would be subtle adjustments is in the internal speaker. The code refers to a sound system that is more difficult to tamper with or disable, with the aim of preventing misuse, such as removing the speaker so that the AirTag stops emitting sound alerts when it is tracking a person without their consent.
The biggest leap forward, however, would be within the device itself. Various sources mention the arrival of a new second-generation ultra-wideband (UWB) chip, successor to the current U1. This component has already been introduced in other recent Apple products and would allow for improved detection range and signal stability.
The five major improvements of AirTag 2 over the current model
A cross-referencing of the iOS 26 leaks reveals a consistently recurring set of changes. Essentially, Apple is preparing... five major improvements over the original AirTag, all of them focused on the everyday user experience rather than a complete redesign of the accessory.
1. Easier pairing and setup
One of the most discussed points is the arrival of a more direct and modern matching processThe current AirTag is already relatively easy to set up, but the new screens and setup frames seen in iOS 26 indicate that Apple wants to further refine this process.
The changes would include faster initial detection, clearer accessory identification, and new options for naming and customizing its icon.The idea is that users who have never used an AirTag can get it up and running in seconds, without any doubts about what they are configuring or how to integrate it into the Search app.
Furthermore, the matchmaking flow is expected to align with the configuration style of the latest Apple accessorieswith more polished animations and somewhat clearer explanatory texts, both on iPhone and on other devices in the ecosystem.
2. More advanced precision search and greater range
The second part of the update has to do with the Precision Finding, which will be supported by a more modern UWB chipCurrently, the AirTag offers fairly reliable directional indications, but its accuracy is affected by walls, interference, and other common indoor obstacles.
The new ultra-wideband chip would allow improve the calculation of distances and angles, as well as the sensitivity of the directional guidanceThis way, locating an AirTag in an apartment, office, or garage should be easier, with fewer sudden jumps in position and a more stable arrow on the screen.
Some leaks even mention the useful range of this precision search It could be extended to about 60 meters under favorable conditionscompared to the more limited values of the current model. Although these figures are always theoretical, they would represent a clear advantage in large areas or gardens.
This advancement would also have an impact outdoors, where the combination of the Search network and the new UWB chip This would help reduce location drift and refresh times.especially when there are many Apple devices collaborating in the same area.
3. New “Enhanced Motion” feature
One of the areas where the original AirTag falls short is in the tracking objects that are in constant motionAs a suitcase on a baggage carousela bicycle or a pet's collar. Accuracy drops and position updates become erratic.
In iOS 26, a feature appears described as “Improved Moving” or “Movement improved”designed precisely to correct these shortcomings. The system would adjust the localization algorithms when it detects that the object is not stationary, taking advantage of additional data from the environment and nearby devices.
Internal tests cited by some sources suggest a reduction of nearly 50% in location errors during movementThis would translate into more consistent tracking of backpacks, suitcases or bags on daily journeys, something especially interesting for users who travel frequently in Spain and the rest of Europe.
It is also suggested that the AirTag 2 could Better coordinate information with the iPhone and Apple Watch, offering more useful warnings when an object moves away, for example, from a train, a rental car or a hotel, which would reduce situations of "I've left something behind".
4. Improved performance in crowded and high-interference environments
Another weakness of the first generation is its behavior in environments with thousands of competing wireless signals at the same timesuch as airports, stadiums, concerts, or large shopping malls. In these contexts, accuracy can drop significantly and response times when searching for an object increase.
The information extracted from iOS 26 points to New location algorithms designed to better filter out “noise” from other devicesThe AirTag 2 would be able to prioritize truly relevant signals from the Find My network and other nearby iPhones, reducing false positives or abrupt location jumps.
This should improve the experience on international trips, where the density of devices is very high. According to the data available, Apple's goal is to achieve more consistent accuracy in dense urban areas, increasing the success rate compared to the current model.
In addition, there is talk of a improved scenario management with multiple AirTags in the same space (for example, in a home or office with multiple trackers), with the intention of minimizing confusion and identifying each accessory more clearly within the application.
5. Battery reports with percentage and more useful alerts
So far, the AirTag warns when the battery is low, but It does not show an exact percentage of remaining battery.Many users have requested a more accurate reading to prevent the accessory from running out of power just before a trip or important use.
The iOS 26 code reveals that the second generation will offer More detailed percentage reports, with staggered alerts (e.g., at 20%, 10% and 5% load)This information would appear integrated into the Find app, allowing you to plan your battery change in advance.
In addition, Apple would be using usage models for Estimate remaining autonomy based on factors such as temperature, location frequency, or the intensity of precision searchesThe idea is for the user to have a realistic estimate of how many days or weeks of use the AirTag has left.
All of this would be maintained without abandoning the CR2032 button batteries, which would continue to be easy to obtain in Spain and the rest of Europe, maintaining an approximate autonomy of one yearbut with less ambiguous notification management.
Privacy, misuse, and changes to alerts
The success of the AirTag has also brought controversy, especially because cases of unauthorized tracking or harassment through misuse of the deviceIn response, Apple has introduced various security measures through software updates in recent years.
With the arrival of the AirTag 2, the company is expected to Continue strengthening these protections to minimize the risk of stalkingAlthough the leaked code doesn't go into all the details, the reference to speakers that are harder to tamper with fits with the strategy of making it difficult for trackers to silence themselves when they are broadcasting alerts to the person being tracked.
It is also foreseeable that Maintain and expand multi-device alertsThis allows an unfamiliar Android phone or iPhone to detect more quickly if an unknown AirTag is moving near the user for an extended period. Apple has already worked on this in collaboration with Google, so it wouldn't be surprising to see further advancements in the second generation.
In Europe, where privacy and security regulations are particularly strict, these improvements can be crucial to ensuring that the legitimate use of trackers does not conflict with data protection or surveillance regulations.
Expected release date and relationship to other Apple products
Regarding the timeline, the various sources indicate very similar deadlines: The AirTag 2 would arrive in the first half of 2026Some bets point to spring, accompanying new iPad or HomePod models, while others look to WWDC as a likely scenario, given that many of the new features depend directly on iOS 26.
Internal references to the identifier “2025AirTag” suggest that Apple considered an earlier launch, possibly in 2025.But they would have decided to delay it to further refine the experience or to better fit it into their product schedule.
In parallel, the same code points to Other accessories are in the works, such as a new HomePod mini with an S10 chip.This reinforces the idea of a broader renewal of the domestic ecosystem and the Search network during the same period.
The strategy seems clear: strengthen the integration of all these devices with each otherso that the AirTag 2 benefits from improvements in speakers, iPhone, Apple Watch or even mixed reality devices like Apple Vision Pro in terms of positioning and route visualization.
What is known about the price and how will it fit into the European market?
Apple hasn't given any official hints about the price, but analysts agree that the AirTag 2 It would move in a range very similar to the current one.In Spain, the first generation AirTag is sold for 39 euros individually and 129 euros for a pack of four units.
The planned improvements could justify a slight upward adjustment, although the company will most likely maintain a familiar pricing structure to avoid hindering the adoption of the accessory, especially considering that many users buy them in groups of several for different purposes.
In the European context, where the network of Apple devices is extensive, the AirTag 2 has room to grow. to establish itself as a leading tracker for travel, public transport and everyday useGreater accuracy at airports, stations, or tourist areas would be especially useful for those who frequently travel between EU countries.
It remains to be seen, however, how these new products will fit into a market where other manufacturers of Bluetooth trackers and integrated luggage and transport service solutions also compete, They could react with their own improvements..
If everything leaked so far is confirmed, the AirTag 2 won't be a revolutionary product in appearance, but it will be a much more mature tracker: It will significantly improve tracking while in motion, accuracy in complex environments, and battery management, while maintaining the current format and reinforcing security against misuse., with a planned launch in 2026 and with special potential in an environment as connected as the European one.
