Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/Apple
Apple originally wanted the AirTag to help people track their small belongings, such as car keys and wallets. However, the tracker rapidly became everybody's favorite way to monitor literally anything from cars and bikes to memorial vases and jackets.
It's not a surprise that people turn to AirTags to monitor various belongings. Its pill-shaped form factor allows owners to install the AirTag anywhere, hoping an iPhone gets nearby to allow it to send its location.
Apple has now released a mysterious update for the AirTag, bringing the firmware version to 2.0.73. Build number 2A73 lands without a changelog, so it's safe to assume Apple focused on under-the-hood stability and bug fixes. The previous update – version 2.0.61, came with the same focus. AirTag firmware update 2.0.24 was the latest notable update, bringing Precision Finding and improved anti-stalking alerts.
If you're unsure what version your AirTag is running, unlock your iPhone, launch the Find My app, and go to the Items tab in the lower part of the screen. Look for your AirTag, tap its name, and you should now see the serial number and firmware version.
Apple designed the update process to be as straightforward as possible, so you won't be able to manually install a new version if your AirTag runs an old firmware.
That might be a major inconvenience if you can't get close to your device. If you planted the AirTag in your car and want to update the firmware version, you must get near the vehicle and allow the AirTag to connect to your iPhone via Bluetooth. An automatic check for updates should be triggered when the connection is established, with the iPhone sending the new firmware version to the AirTag wirelessly.
You won't have to remove your AirTag from where it's located if you can connect to it using Bluetooth.
Apple is already working on the second-generation AirTag, with the launch expected in 2025. People familiar with the matter said Apple doesn't want to take the wraps off the second-generation model too fast for two reasons. First, the original AirTag is still selling well, so the company doesn't need to come up with an improved version since the market already likes the existing feature lineup. Second, the inventory is still full, so launching a new-generation model implies that Apple finds a way to clear out stocks almost overnight.
AirTag 2 could land in 2025 with improved precision and even better battery life. The device uses a CR2032 battery whose autonomy should reach approximately six months per unit. The battery is replaceable and does not support recharging. Removing the battery is the only way to disable an AirTag, so you can't turn it off physically once you plant it in your car.
Apple has now released a mysterious update for the AirTag, bringing the firmware version to 2.0.73. Build number 2A73 lands without a changelog, so it's safe to assume Apple focused on under-the-hood stability and bug fixes. The previous update – version 2.0.61, came with the same focus. AirTag firmware update 2.0.24 was the latest notable update, bringing Precision Finding and improved anti-stalking alerts.
If you're unsure what version your AirTag is running, unlock your iPhone, launch the Find My app, and go to the Items tab in the lower part of the screen. Look for your AirTag, tap its name, and you should now see the serial number and firmware version.
Apple designed the update process to be as straightforward as possible, so you won't be able to manually install a new version if your AirTag runs an old firmware.
That might be a major inconvenience if you can't get close to your device. If you planted the AirTag in your car and want to update the firmware version, you must get near the vehicle and allow the AirTag to connect to your iPhone via Bluetooth. An automatic check for updates should be triggered when the connection is established, with the iPhone sending the new firmware version to the AirTag wirelessly.
You won't have to remove your AirTag from where it's located if you can connect to it using Bluetooth.
Apple is already working on the second-generation AirTag, with the launch expected in 2025. People familiar with the matter said Apple doesn't want to take the wraps off the second-generation model too fast for two reasons. First, the original AirTag is still selling well, so the company doesn't need to come up with an improved version since the market already likes the existing feature lineup. Second, the inventory is still full, so launching a new-generation model implies that Apple finds a way to clear out stocks almost overnight.
AirTag 2 could land in 2025 with improved precision and even better battery life. The device uses a CR2032 battery whose autonomy should reach approximately six months per unit. The battery is replaceable and does not support recharging. Removing the battery is the only way to disable an AirTag, so you can't turn it off physically once you plant it in your car.
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