Apple’s second-generation AirTag arrived earlier this year with some welcome improvements, but it was ultimately an evolution of the original rather than a complete rethink of Apple’s item tracker.
The latest AirTag added Apple’s second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, expanded Bluetooth range and a speaker that Apple says is 50% louder. Precision Finding can also work from up to 50% farther away than with the original, while compatible Apple Watch models can now guide users directly to a missing AirTag.
The Apple Post covered the second-generation AirTag when Apple unveiled it in January, but there is still plenty Apple could do to make a future third-generation model considerably more useful.
A thinner design
The biggest change I would like to see is a thinner AirTag. The current circular design is compact, but at 8mm thick it can still create an uncomfortable bulge when placed inside a wallet or other slim item.
Apple should keep the familiar replaceable battery and compact footprint while finding a way to shave some thickness from the enclosure. Even a modest reduction would make AirTag considerably easier to hide inside luggage, bags and everyday accessories.
A second, card-shaped AirTag
Better still, Apple could expand the lineup with a dedicated AirTag Card. Rather than forcing the circular AirTag into wallets, Apple could offer a credit-card-shaped version specifically designed for purses, wallets and passport holders.
Third-party Find My trackers already demonstrate how useful this form factor can be. An Apple-designed version with Precision Finding and full integration with the Find My network would be an obvious addition to the range.
Even longer Precision Finding range
AirTag 2 made a significant improvement to Precision Finding, but I would like Apple to push this considerably further with the third generation.
Being able to establish the exact direction of an AirTag from much farther away would be particularly useful in large car parks, airports, train stations and other busy environments where knowing that an item is nearby is only half the battle.
Better location updates when an AirTag is far away
The Find My network is one of AirTag’s biggest advantages, but location updates can still feel inconsistent when an AirTag is away from its owner.
A third-generation model should improve how quickly it can be detected by nearby Apple devices and how frequently that location reaches the owner. Faster updates could make a meaningful difference when following lost luggage or trying to recover a stolen bag.
A way to identify remaining battery life
AirTag’s replaceable CR2032 battery is one of its best design decisions, and Apple should absolutely keep it. What needs improving is the information users receive about that battery.
Rather than waiting for a low-battery warning, Find My should provide a clearer indication of remaining battery health or an estimated replacement window. It does not necessarily need to show an exact percentage, but knowing whether a battery is healthy or approaching replacement would be useful, particularly for AirTags placed inside luggage that may sit unused for months.
More durable water resistance
The current AirTag carries an IP67 rating, meaning it is designed to withstand dust and temporary immersion in water. For something intended to be attached to keys, luggage and outdoor equipment, I would like the next generation to go further.
Improved water resistance would make AirTag more reassuring for bicycles, outdoor bags and luggage that may spend time exposed to poor weather.
More sharing controls
Apple already allows an AirTag to be shared with other people, which is useful for family keys, shared luggage and other communal items. A future version of Find My could make this more flexible.
I would like temporary AirTag sharing, allowing somebody access for a few hours or days before their access automatically expires. That could be useful when lending somebody a bag, vehicle keys or another tracked item without permanently adding them to the AirTag.
Smarter lost-item alerts
AirTag already supports separation notifications, but Apple could make them considerably more intelligent.
For example, Find My could learn that a particular AirTag normally travels with the user on workdays and warn them if they leave without it. Different AirTags could also have different notification rules, allowing luggage to behave differently from keys or a backpack.
Keep the price
Perhaps the most important thing Apple should not change is the price. AirTag 2 remained at £29 for a single tracker and £99 for a four-pack, despite the improvements Apple made to the hardware.
A third generation with better range, a thinner design, smarter Find My features and improved durability would be far easier to recommend if Apple can once again make those improvements without increasing the entry price.