The rumor: Apple is working on a radical upgrade to AirPods Pro, according to Mark Gurman (88.3% accurate).
- The stem on new AirPods Pro may be eliminated in order to create a look more similar to Galaxy Buds, Echo Buds and Pixel Buds
- 2nd generation AirPods Pro will also feature an upgraded wireless chip on the inside (H2?)
- AirPods Pro 2 are expected sometime in 2021
Our take: It certainly makes sense for Apple to break from their current design to compete with other designs that are becoming increasingly popular. But changing the pods to look too similar to competitors could be damaging for the instant-recognition that AirPods have accrued.
