Subsequent-generation Apple AirTags will look the identical, however function improved vary and site monitoring.
Code references in iOS 26 again up claims of improved precision monitoring for Apple’s second-generation AirTags, significantly for conditions the present mannequin struggles with.
Following references to residence equipment, an up to date Studio Show, and upcoming iPads, now but extra snippets have been present in iOS 26 code. This time probably the most important ones embody extra particulars of the anticipated AirTags 2.
There have already been references to a second era AirTag in iOS code, however this newest discovery by Macworld offers a little bit extra element. It has persistently been anticipated {that a} second era AirTag would have higher or extra exact monitoring, and now it seems that there might be:
- Improved pairing
- Detailed battery stories
- Enhanced Precision Discovering
- Improved Shifting function
In 2022, Apple eliminated the battery cost indicator in Discover My. That meant customers could not know an AirTag battery wanted changing till the iPhone started displaying warning notifications.
It was by no means clear how a lot time an AirTag battery had left after one among these notifications. So to keep away from it taking place throughout your vacation, you both needed to take cautious notes or substitute the batteries earlier than you actually should.
So an enchancment in battery dealing with could be welcome, however probably the most marked advantage of AirTags 2 could be this higher location precision. “Improved Shifting” is alleged to be the identify of 1 function that can imply customers can higher monitor an AirTag even when it’s transferring.
One other function, as but unnamed, seemingly goals to counter the issues of monitoring one AirTag in a crowded state of affairs.
It is simple to see how each of those may very well be significantly helpful at airports. As baggage is being moved across the terminal, will probably be being gathered along with at the least some a whole lot of different luggage, doubtlessly every with an AirTag.
Maybe it is much less straightforward to see how pairing AirTags to an iPhone may very well be improved. It’s already a quick and easy course of, though Apple has beforehand improved the pairing on AirPods 4.
Word that it’s doable that at the least a few of these options could also be launched for the present unique AirTag. However others such because the precision discovering would require an upgraded Extremely Wideband (UWB) processor, which might imply AirTags 2.
It’s claimed that these new precision location options within the code are labelled “2025AirTag.” That implies that prior stories of AirTag 2 coming in 2025 have been right on the time, although it is now anticipated in 2026 as an alternative.
Extra code leaks
Studies of references within the code to iOS 26 are being slowly eked out, however yet another has already surfaced. The report claimed that there are actually additionally references to an up to date HomePod mini.
The HomePod mini is now labeled as ‘discontinued’ or ‘out of inventory’ at choose on-line retailers.
The HomePod mini was launched again in 2020 and has but to be up to date, so it’s arguably properly overdue.
It isn’t clear when such an replace could arrive, though the code leaker presumes will probably be in 2026. Again in November 2025, although, it was reported that the unique HomePod mini was being discontinued, presumably in favor of a brand new mannequin.