AirTag 2 spotted in iOS 18.6 beta: new features and definitely no USB
Apple continues to cherish its reputation as engineers, not smartphone dealers - fresh data from the iOS 18.6 beta code confirms the intention to release AirTag 2 already this autumn, in September along with the new iPhone 17. And the main new feature is not an ultra battery, but a detailed charge status: the system will now warn about low and very low levels, and this has long been at the top of users' wishes.
Here's What We Know
Earlier Bloomberg insider Mark Gurman said that AirTag 2 will receive a second-generation UWB chip - the same one installed in the iPhone 15 and Watch Ultra 2. Thanks to it, the range and accuracy of finding targets can triple - up to 60 metres instead of the current ~15-20 m. And they also talk about an enhanced speaker - it will not be so easy to "switch off", which will make the gadget safer and prevent cases of covert tracking.
As for the battery - the rumours are twofold. New warnings about the level of charge could mean a switch to a rechargeable battery, but Gurman previously said that there will be no rechargeable battery - Apple will continue to use a replaceable CR2032 . Externally, the AirTag will remain "the same round", with no design changes.
Thus, we are not waiting for a revolution, but a profound evolution: increased range and accuracy, improved safety, charging in two stages - and all this in a familiar case. The announcement will in all likelihood be part of the September presentation of the iPhone 17.
Source: 9To5Mac
