The upcoming AirPods Pro 2 could be stemless similar to the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live released this year.
The only thing that’s waiting to be released from Apple this year is the Apple Silicon-powered Mac computer. So far, it is safe to say that Apple has had a big year despite COVID-19. It was able to survive what was supposed to be a gloomy year because of the virus.
Next year, Apple will open it with a bang with new audio devices from the AirPods line up. The impending launch will be a first from the company. If it doesn’t split the releases, Apple could launch the new AirPods 3, AirPods Pro 2, and the latest AirPods Studio. Rumors about these three listening devices have been plenty.
AirPods Pro 2 will be stemless
The AirPods 3, as rumors suggest, will look similar to the current AirPods Pro. It will have replaceable ear tips and will have a shorter stem. However, it will not have any active noise canceling feature. In other words, the new entry-level AirPods 3 will just be a watered-down AirPods Pro.
This change brings up the question of what will happen then to the AirPods Pro 2? Earlier rumors suggest that the Pro model will be completely stemless. This goes against the complete branding of Apple.
When it came out, it was the most recognizable wireless earbuds out in the market. However, a few months after, all other companies followed Apple’s design. This is true for Huawei, OnePlus, Xiaomi, and many other wearable brands out there. As such, there might be a need to upgrade the complete look of the AirPods Pro 2.
If it truly becomes completely stemless, it might follow the design language of the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live. These true wireless earphones from the Korean company provide an impeccable snug fit on the ear canal. Apple will look to mimic the same effect when it releases the AirPods Pro 2. However, they’re not expected to look the same.
Software will be king for Apple’s new earphones
When Apple announced in WWDC 2020 that the AirPods Pro will be equipped with Spatial Audio, it caught many tech reviewers off guard. Initially, they didn’t know that the AirPods Pro had gyroscope and accelerometers installed in them. It was only when Apple announced the new feature when these parts made sense.
Now that the AirPods Pro 2 will have a shorter stem or even a non-existent stem, Apple will be pushed to innovate further. The developers will have to find a way to cram all these crucial parts of the AirPods Pro in an even smaller form factor.
If they do so, users will be treated to the most compact and most powerful wireless earbuds in the market. Not only will it look more modern, but it will also deliver the most seamless user experience because of the integration of the hardware and the software within the Apple system.
Image from Apple/ YouTube thumbnail