Apple's next object tracker, tentatively known as Air Tag 2, it takes shape based on software leaks. A set of references discovered in a internal build of iOS 26 It has unveiled a set of new features that, while not revolutionary, directly address several of the most discussed limitations of the current model.
These references in the code, including the internal label "2025AirTag," reinforce the idea that Apple planned to launch this second generation earlier than it actually will. Everything now points to a launch window which would move between 2025 and the first half of 2026, coinciding with the full rollout of iOS 26 in Europe and the rest of the markets where the Search ecosystem has more weight.
What the iOS 26 code reveals about AirTag 2
The leak comes from an internal version of iOS 26 to which they have had access to various specialized mediaIt features a set of functions associated with a new AirTag model, clearly different from the tracker launched in 2021. Although Apple has not commented, the amount of detail suggests that development is in an advanced stage.
Within this code are listed five concrete improvements For the future AirTag 2: a simplified pairing process, a more refined version of Precision Finding, more detailed battery reports, an "Improved Moving" mode for tracking while in motion, and specific settings to improve location in environments with many people and devices.
Some of these features might arrive in a limited way to the current model via a firmware update, but the leak fits with previous rumors which point to a new ultra-wideband chip and revamped hardware, which would fit better with a second-generation product than with a mere software tweak.
Five key new features that would arrive with AirTag 2
Easier and faster pairing
The first improvement focuses on the device's initial startup. The iOS 26 code refers to a flow of optimized pairingDesigned to reduce steps and waiting times when pairing the AirTag 2 with an iPhone or iPad, the idea is that taking the tracker out of the box and having it operational takes only a few seconds—especially useful when setting up several at once for keys, backpacks, suitcases, or even pets.
This overhaul of the setup process aligns with the changes Apple has been introducing in recent years to other products in the ecosystem, and aims to minimize friction for users less accustomed to tinkering with Bluetooth or NFC settings, which are very common in Spain and the rest of Europe when these devices are given as gifts to family members.
Precision Finding: Finer Finding with Greater Effective Range
The guided search system Precision FindingThe feature, which combines ultra-wideband (UWB), Bluetooth, and augmented reality to indicate distance and direction, is also among those slated for improvement. The leak suggests more stable and accurate location tracking, even in challenging indoor environments like shopping malls or underground parking garages.
In current environments, the theoretical accuracy of the AirTag is significantly reduced by interference and physical obstacles. With the AirTag 2, Apple would seek to improve the useful detection range and smooth out abrupt jumps in the position displayed on the screen. Several code analyses specifically mention improvements for scenarios with complex buildings and structures, very common in large European cities.
Battery reports with percentage and tiered alerts
Another area where Apple seems to have taken note of user complaints is battery management. The original AirTag only offered a generic warning when the battery was nearing the end of its lifespan, without much warning or precise information. In the new generation, references mention «detailed battery level reporting»That is, a more granular warning system.
In practice, this would translate into a percentage indicator within the App SearchWith staggered alerts (for example, at 20%, 10%, and 5% of estimated charge) and a better estimate of remaining time based on actual usage, AirTag 2 users would have finer control and fewer surprises just before leaving home.
"Improved Moving": more reliable tracking when the object moves
One of the most striking new features is internally called "Improved Moving"The goal is to enhance tracking capabilities when the AirTag 2 is in constant motion, something the current model doesn't always handle with the same precision, especially if the object travels by car, train, or public transport.
The code suggests adjustments to the location algorithms to reduce positioning errors as the tracker moves, with more frequent updates and less reliance on the iPhone's physical proximity. For users in Europe who use the system daily on subways, buses, or intercity trains, this improvement could be crucial, especially in the case of suitcases, backpacks or pets that move continuously.
Better performance in crowded places
The fifth major change focuses on an environment that has been problematic until now: spaces with a high density of devicessuch as stadiums, airports, festivals, or train stations. Currently, in these contexts, the tracker relies on Bluetooth signals from numerous nearby iPhones, which can saturate channels and lead to inaccurate readings.
With AirTag 2, Apple is developing mechanisms to better filter noise and prioritize truly relevant signals, achieving a more stable location in crowdsSeveral code snippets point to automatic calibration modes in areas with high interference, which is very useful in European transport hubs where the flow of devices is particularly intense.
Limitations of the first AirTag that Apple wants to correct
Some of these new features are better understood if you review them the deficiencies detected in the first generation. The current AirTag is based on an earlier ultra-wideband version and the Search network made up of billions of Apple devices. Although the approach has proven effective, in practice there are scenarios where accuracy drops notably.
In multi-story buildings or metal structures, the effective range may be reduced to a few metersAnd the reliance on the global network means that location updates can sometimes be delayed by several minutes. Battery life, while reasonable, is marred by unclear notifications, so many users in Spain find their tracker dead just when they need it.
Internal data cited in the leaked reports also indicate that a significant portion of current searches are only resolved when the user is positioned very close physically of the AirTag, something that improvements in accuracy and tracking in motion attempt to mitigate in the next generation.
Possible new hardware: second-generation ultra-wideband
Although the leaked code focuses primarily on software functions, several previous reports already pointed to a new ultra-wideband chip for the future AirTag 2. This upgrade would allow not only more accurate distance calculation, but also a greater effective range and better resistance to interference indoors and in dense cities.
In combination with iOS 26, this next-generation component could enable more advanced search modeswith smoother on-screen directions and fewer signal drops. For the user, the experience of approaching a lost item in a shared apartment, office, or communal garage should feel more natural, even with several walls in between.
Despite this, there are no signs of a radical change in the external design. Everything indicates that the AirTag 2 will maintain a very similar format to the current model, compatible with most accessories already available on the European market, from keyrings to adhesive mounts for bicycles or luggage.