Nov 18, 2024 11:54:00

Apple to release lost item tracker 'AirTag 2' in 2025

Bloomberg has reported that the next-generation model of AirTag , the lost item tracker released by Apple in 2021, called AirTag 2 (tentative name), will be released in mid-2025.

How Will President Donald Trump's New Tariffs Affect Apple Products and Prices? - Bloomberg
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2024-11-17/how-will-president-donald-trump-s-new-tariffs-affect-apple-products-and-prices-m3lnfx64

Apple reportedly releasing AirTag 2 next year with these 3 improvements - 9to5Mac
https://9to5mac.com/2024/11/17/airtag-2-next-year-three-improvements/

Upcoming AirTag to feature Ultra Wideband for better range
https://appleinsider.com/articles/24/11/17/airtags-2-to-bring-better-location-tracking-in-2025

AirTag 2 reportedly launching in mid-2025 with better range | Cult of Mac
https://www.cultofmac.com/news/airtag-2-reportedly-launching-in-mid-2025-with-better-range

According to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, who is well-versed in Apple leaks, 'Apple is preparing to release new AirTags four years after releasing the original AirTags.'

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According to Gurman, Apple is developing AirTag 2 under the code name 'B589,' with a release date of mid-2025. AirTag 2 manufacturing tests are underway, and Apple is preparing for its market launch. AirTag 2 is essentially the same as the original AirTag, but with a wider range, a stronger built-in wireless chip, and improved privacy.

Since its release, AirTags have been criticized for being used for stalking , and Apple has implemented features to combat stalkers, such as a sound emitter that can emit a sound from the built-in speaker.

What are the stalker prevention and privacy protection features installed in Apple's lost property tracker 'AirTag'? - GIGAZINE

Therefore, users who want to use AirTags for stalking have been trying to hide their AirTags by removing the speaker from them. However, as part of the enhanced privacy measures in AirTag 2, the built-in speaker has been made more difficult to remove than before, making it more tamper-resistant than ever before.

Apple is also reportedly developing a smart home hub device with a monitor, similar to the Amazon Echo Hub and Google Nest Hub.

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According to reports, Apple's smart home display will be a hub for HomeKit -enabled devices and will run a new operating system called 'HomeOS.' The smart home display will also use Apple Intelligence and an improved Siri to allow for more precise control of the software using new App Intents features.

The smart home display will be able to run many of Apple's native apps, including Safari, Notes and Calendar, and its interface will feature a customisable home screen with iOS widgets and smart home controls.

The hardware will be available in silver and black, and will look similar to the entry-level iPad, with a built-in battery, speakers, and a FaceTime camera designed for landscape view. The monitor will be about 6 inches in size, and it will also have a sensor to change the interface depending on how far away the user is from the monitor. In addition, there will be an attachment for mounting on a wall, and a base with an additional speaker that can also be used as a stand for placing on a table.

It has also been reported that the smart home display that Apple is developing could be similar to an iMac G4.

Apple's first smart home display will reportedly be designed like the iMac G4 - GIGAZINE

Apple envisions using this smart home display to have FaceTime conversations with people in other rooms, so 'you'll be able to access security camera footage, control the lights, and video call family members all while cooking in the kitchen.'

Apple does not have plans to open an app store specifically for smart home displays.

Apple is also reportedly working on a high-performance AI companion with a robotic arm and a large display, which could be a successor to its smart home displays.

Apple is prioritizing the development of a 150,000 yen 'tabletop home robot with robotic limbs on an iPad' and is aiming to release it in 2026-2027 - GIGAZINE

by Antonio Marín Segovia