Apple AirTags: Increased demand and possible second generation of AR

According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, demand for Apple AirTags has continued to rise 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 even 35 million AirTags could be sold.

AirTags 2 for AR and VR?

Kuo believes that while little attention has been paid to AirTags in general, if the interest to buy continues, Apple will also develop a second generation. There is no confirmed information on 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 motion control functions for augmented and virtual reality. . Functions based on the approach for commercial use could also be a possible innovation.

AirTag, which hasn’t received much attention, has gradually grown in shipments since its launch. AirTag shipping estimates reach around 20 million and 35 million units in 2021 and 2022, respectively. If AirTag shipments continue to grow, I think Apple will develop the second generation.

— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) June 19, 2022

With an MSRP of $35 for one AirTag and $119 for four AirTags, Apple’s tiny ultra-wideband trackers aren’t a bargain, but they integrate seamlessly into the “Where’s It?” network. of the company. This allows other users with nearby iPhones, iPads, or MacBooks to broadcast their location to the network, and owners receive a much more accurate and up-to-date report on an AirTag’s location than other networks of trackers. If you use an iPhone, which also supports the U1 chip’s ultra-wideband technology, to track AirTags, not only will you know that AirTag is nearby, but the direction and distance will also be displayed on the screen.

AirTags are also abused for unwanted tracking

AirTags not only make headlines in a positive light when lost or stolen items are found, but also initially for misuse, for example, for stalking and putting AirTags on expensive vehicles so they can be tracked down and stolen later. Therefore, Apple had also created a way for Android with the Tracker Detect app to detect nearby AirTags. On iOS, users are automatically notified when they are followed by an AirTag that has not been assigned to them.