Apple appears to be readying a second-generation AirTag and a refreshed HomePod mini. References inside iOS 26 point to new tracking tools for AirTag and a spec bump for the compact smart speaker. The changes focus on precision, reliability, and small quality-of-life upgrades rather than a full redesign.
AirTag 2 adds several practical features. You get a cleaner pairing flow, clearer battery level reporting, and upgraded Precision Finding. A new option called Improved Moving aims to help you locate a tag while it is in motion, which current models struggle with. Another improvement targets accuracy in crowded places where many devices compete for signals.
Design stays familiar. The AirTag 2 keeps a replaceable battery and reportedly gets tougher-to-remove speakers to curb misuse. The Ultra Wideband chip steps up to a newer generation, which extends Precision Finding range and tightens location locks. Code labels reference “2025AirTag,” suggesting Apple planned an earlier launch, with the rollout now tracking closer to early 2026.
HomePod mini update
Macworld reports it accessed an internal iOS 26 build and found explicit mentions of these AirTag features and timing tags inside the code.
MacRumors previously tied the next HomePod mini to codename B252. The new model runs an S10 chip, replacing today’s S5. Expect snappier responses and stronger wireless stability, not a feature overhaul. Based on the code, this looks like a straightforward performance upgrade.
Apple Intelligence remains off the table for the mini. Those on-device AI features align with Apple’s separate smart home hub, often nicknamed “HomePad,” which targets an A18-class chip for heavier local processing.
Look for Apple to bundle these AirTag capabilities with iOS 26 platform updates. The code points to features landing in the first half of the year. With both accessories appearing in internal software, 2026 shapes up as a busier year for Apple’s home and tracking lineup.
