A fresh leak has stirred excitement for Apple fans — and then slightly dampened it. If you’ve been waiting for the release of Apple’s second-generation item tracker, AirTag 2, you might need to be a little more patient. A new report reveals that the device is nearly ready, but its launch could be delayed until September.
Apple prepares iOS support, but the release pushed back
The latest update comes from 9to5Mac, which cites sources it describes as “reliable.” According to their report, Apple has already enabled compatibility for the AirTag 2 within iOS 18.6 — a clear sign the product is reaching its final development stages. Based on Apple’s usual release cycle, iOS 18.6 is expected to arrive by mid-July, which originally lined up with rumours suggesting a summer launch for the AirTag 2.
However, those same sources have also suggested that Apple may now target an autumn release instead. That means you might not see the AirTag 2 until around September — the same time Apple usually unveils its following iPhone lineup, expected this year to be the iPhone 17 range.
So, while AirTag 2 is reportedly technically ready, Apple is opting for a slightly later debut, possibly to coordinate with its major annual product announcements.
Rumoured improvements worth the wait
Even though this delay may disappoint, the AirTag 2 is shaping up to be worth your patience. Several leakers and journalists have been hinting at major improvements for months. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman said the tracker was scheduled for a release “around the middle” of 2025 but later revised his prediction, saying it was “nearly ready.” Another well-known leaker, Kosutami, claimed the launch was expected in May or June of this year.
Now that June is almost over, 9to5Mac’s suggestion of a delay sounds more likely — though there’s still a possibility it could arrive in July or August, keeping it within that mid-year timeframe.
So, what can you expect from AirTag 2? According to leaks, you’re likely to see a big boost in connectivity — the new tracker could triple the range of the current Precision Finding feature. It’s also expected to offer improved tamper protection, giving you better peace of mind.
Other small but meaningful upgrades could include new notifications for low and very low battery levels. This is especially useful for long-term tracking, ensuring you don’t unexpectedly lose connection to your items. There’s speculation that Apple may introduce a rechargeable battery, which would be a welcome change from the current coin battery system.
Should you wait or buy now?
If you plan to buy AirTags soon, you might wonder whether it’s worth holding off. In the past, many tech watchers recommended waiting for the new version — especially since AirTag 2 promised significant improvements.
But with the launch a few months away, you might not want to wait if you need item trackers. Current AirTags remain highly reliable, and good deals are often available online. If you do not need new features like extended range or rechargeable batteries, picking up a set of existing AirTags can serve you well.
While Apple has not officially confirmed anything about the AirTag 2, the growing number of leaks and insider reports suggest the tracker is real and on its way. It’s just a matter of when — and right now, it’s looking more like autumn than summer.
