Clues buried in iOS 26
According to a new report, snippets of iOS 26 code reference updates to how AirTags interact over Bluetooth, which could be hinting at new mechanisms that are not yet present in the current models. While the code does not explicitly name “AirTags 2,” the changes suggest preparations are underway for a new generation of Apple’s popular tracking accessory.There are also mentions of new battery-related behavior. While it’s unclear whether this refers to battery type or management, it supports speculation that Apple is targeting better power efficiency for the new model, which is one of the main areas where users have hoped to see improvements.
Extended Precision Finding
This is what the screen looks like when Precision Finding is active on an iPhone. | Image credit — PhoneArena
The big news here is that the next generation of the AirTag might come with an upgraded Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip, which could dramatically extend the range of Precision Finding.
Precision Finding is the feature that allows you to pinpoint exactly where the lost AirTag is when you are in its minimum range, which is 98 feet. An arrow appears and dynamically turns towards where the AirTag.
The report claims that with the new UWB tech, AirTags 2 could offer accurate directional tracking at distances of up to 295 feet. That’s a game-changing difference, and it should tremendously help with finding stolen and forgotten items.
