Apple AirTags: Increasing demand and possible 2nd generation for AR

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According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, demand for Apple's AirTags has continued to increase over time. According to this, Apple was able to sell around 20 million copies last year after the start of sales at the end of April 2021. This year there could even be 35 million AirTags sold.

AirTags 2 for AR and VR?

Kuo reckons that although little attention has been given to the AirTags overall, Apple will also develop a second generation if interest in buying continues. There is no confirmed information about a second generation, but rumors and ideas from patent applications suggest that a new model could offer a rechargeable battery instead of a CR2032 button cell and also integrate functions for motion control for augmented and virtual reality. Proximity-based functions for commercial use could also be a possible innovation.

With a recommended price of 35 euros for an AirTag and 119 euros for four AirTags, the small ultra-wideband trackers from Apple are not a bargain, but they integrate seamlessly into the “Where is?” network of the company. In this way, other nearby users with iPhones, iPads or MacBooks can also transmit their location to the network and owners receive a much more precise and up-to-date report on the location of an AirTag than with other tracker networks. If you use an iPhone, which also supports the ultra-wideband technology of the U1 chip, to track down AirTags, you will not only know that the AirTag is nearby, but the direction and distance will also be shown on the display.

AirTags also misused for unwanted tracking

The AirTags are not only positive This made headlines when lost or stolen items were recovered, but initially also through misuse, such as for stalking and AirTagging expensive vehicles so they could later be tracked down and stolen. Apple had therefore also created a way for Android with the Tracker Detect app to be able to track down AirTags nearby. On iOS, users are automatically notified when they are followed by an AirTag that is not assigned to them.