Fresh images of Apple AirPods Pro 2 are making the rounds online, and contrary to past rumors, they reveal a few interesting design changes not previously seen. This news comes just a few days after Apple announced AirPods 3. As an upgrade for Apple's baseline earbud offering, AirPods 3 look like a solid improvement. They're equipped with a new design, better audio, more accurate Find My tracking, and the charging case now works with MagSafe.
While AirPods 3 are a great choice for most users, the two-year-old AirPods Pro are starting to look a bit outdated. Thankfully, rumors suggest a new model is on the way. It's still fairly unclear what AirPods Pro 2 will bring to the table, but the expectation is that they'll come with more premium audio, improved ANC, and potentially some light workout tracking capabilities. According to these new pictures, AirPods Pro 2 could also usher in some interesting design tweaks.
Originally shared by MacRumors, there's a lot to unpack in these photos — especially with the charging case. Flanking the Lightning port on the bottom are speaker holes. No, AirPods Pro 2 aren't going to double as a small Bluetooth speaker. Instead, these holes will supposedly allow the charging case to play an audible sound via Find My if it becomes lost. Find My tracking is currently limited to the earbuds with first-gen AirPods Pro, but AirPods Pro 2 may also bring that to the case. Another interesting callout is the metal loop on the right side. This will apparently allow users to attach an optional wrist strap, harkening back to the days of a wrist strap on the iPod touch.
Take These AirPods Pro 2 Pictures With A Lot Of Skepticism
As intriguing as these design changes may be, it's important to take this particular rumor with a huge grain of salt. MacRumors obtained the photos from someone called Xerxes. Xerxes says the pictures come from a source within Apple, but the kicker is that they don't have an established track record beyond this one leak. That's not to say this can't be an up-and-coming leaker entering the scene, but that alone is worth approaching this with caution.
It's also worth pointing out that the design of AirPods Pro 2 in this leak doesn't line up with other rumors we've heard for months. It's widely believed at this point that AirPods Pro 2 will adopt a stem-less design for a more compact footprint. These photos contradict that point, showing AirPods Pro 2 with a very prominent stem just like the current model.
Honestly, no one can say with any certainty what AirPods Pro 2 will look like. Everyone was convinced the Apple Watch Series 7 would have a squared-off design, but what we got was completely different. This could be an early look at AirPods Pro 2 — or it could be a red herring. Whatever the case, Apple shouldn't make us wait too much longer as AirPods Pro 2 are rumored to launch in early 2022.
Source: MacRumors