Apple’s next-gen AirTag may launch in May or June with terrifying tracking capabilities

Apple is reportedly gearing up to launch its second-generation AirTag as early as May or June 2025, introducing significant improvements in tracking technology. But while some celebrate the prospect of an ultra-precise location device, others are raising concerns—will this powerful new tracker make privacy even harder to protect?

According to an X (formerly Twitter) user, @Kosutami_Ito, Apple is preparing to unveil the updated AirTag within the next few months. While Apple has yet to confirm an official release date, leaks suggest the next-generation device will dramatically expand its tracking capabilities.

The most alarming update? The new AirTag is expected to triple its range, extending from 30 metres to a staggering 90 metres. This means an AirTag could locate an item—or a person—much farther away, significantly boosting its usefulness for finding lost belongings. However, it also raises questions about its potential misuse.

Apple is reportedly integrating an ultrawide-band (UWB) chip into the second-gen AirTag, similar to the one used in the iPhone 15. This chip enhances tracking precision, allowing for hyper-accurate location updates in real-time. In addition, the new AirTag is rumoured to feature a louder speaker, making it easier to detect when it’s nearby. Battery life is also expected to improve, although Apple will likely retain the replaceable CR2032 cell from the original model.

While these upgrades make the AirTag a more powerful tool for tracking lost items, they also intensify concerns over privacy and security. The first-generation AirTag already sparked controversy over reports of misuse, with criminals and stalkers allegedly using the device to track people without their knowledge. Apple has since implemented safety measures such as alerts for unknown AirTags travelling with a user, but the effectiveness of these safeguards remains debatable.

With the new AirTag’s extended range and improved tracking capabilities, privacy advocates are already questioning how Apple plans to prevent misuse. The tech giant has remained silent on the issue, focusing instead on the device’s consumer-friendly features.

For those unwilling to wait until May or June, Apple’s first-generation AirTag is currently available at a discount, with a four-pack selling for $67.99 on Amazon. But with a new, even more powerful model on the horizon, the real question is whether Apple’s next big tracking device will be a revolutionary convenience—or a privacy nightmare.