3 years after its release, Apple's AirTag continues to make headlines. Indeed, thanks to the company's Locate network and thanks to its mechanism which relies on Bluetooth technology (which does not require an internet connection), the AirTag and similar products are extremely effective in finding lost or lost objects. stolen.
However, Apple is already thinking about improving its Bluetooth beacon. And according to the latest newsletter from Mark Gurman, journalist at Bloomberg, the AirTag 2 is already in preparation, and tests are already taking place with the Cupertino firm's partners. The release of the AirTag 2 would be scheduled for mid-2025. And the main improvement would be the use of a new chip which would improve localization.
Unfortunately, we do not have any further details. But in his publication, Gurman expresses his wish that Apple makes an effort on autonomy, and that the firm offers a version that would easily fit into a wallet. Indeed, some of Apple's competitors already offer Bluetooth beacons in the shape of a bank card.
Competition is coming to Android
In any case, this rumor is circulating as Google has just launched its equivalent of Apple's Locate network. Like the mechanism proposed by Apple, that of Android also relies on Bluetooth technology. It therefore becomes possible to know the location of a smartphone, a compatible accessory,or a Bluetooth beacon, which are not connected to the internet. On some smartphones, location is even available if the device is turned off.
The good news is that although they are competitors in many sectors, Apple and Google have worked together to ensure that beacons compatible with iOS and Android are not used to spy on people. The two digital giants have adopted a standard that allows an iPhone user to be alerted if they are tracked with a tag compatible with Android (and vice versa).
In any case, now that Android offers aequivalent of Apple's Find My network, products competing with the AirTag should be more numerous on the market.
