Apple may have just released the AirPods Max, but it looks like Apple is already working on the next addition to its headphone line with a new version of the AirPods Pro that may come in multiple sizes for the first time.
The recent information comes from the relatively reliable leaker Mr. White who posted a few photos on Twitter of AirPods Pro 2 components with a more compact design in different sizes. Oddly, Mr. White seems to be falsely claiming that the next AirPods Pro will still feature “W2 chips” instead of the wireless H1 chips, which are actually used to power the current AirPods Pro. In a subsequent tweet, Mr. While also added that “AirPods are not suitable for black,” suggesting that the new models will only be available in white, just like the previous models.
Regardless, the possible move to offer AirPods Pro in multiple sizes could be a big benefit to customers, as a good fit is essential to deliver optimal audio quality and active noise canceling performance. Currently, AirPods Pro comes with three pairs of different sized ear tips (small, medium and large) that can help customize their fit somewhat, although for some people like Gizmodo Reviews Editor Alex ‘Tiny Ears’ have Cranz ear tips available in two different formats could be a much more meaningful option.
Aside from exploring how to make the AirPods Pro 2 in multiple sizes, Mr. White’s leak follows a story from Bloomberg who claims that Apple is also trying to make the AirPods Pro 2 more compact than before, possibly reducing the AirPods Pro’s stem (aka the bit that makes it look like a Q-Tip is hanging out of your ear), although it’s unclear whether those designs make it to the final store models.
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Unfortunately, the expected release date for the AirPods Pro 2 is somewhat vague, with the only information so far being that they will be released sometime in 2021.
Elsewhere in other Apple leaks, Apparently Apple recently discovered one new patent granted to Apple for a reconfigurable keyboard that uses small displays embedded in each key to dynamically change what you see based on what you do or the app you use. While this is just a patent and may never see the light of day, Apple’s patent seems like the next logical step for Apple after introducing the Mac Touch Bar on the 2016 MacBook Pro.
Recently, Apple has added features such as a dynamic mouse cursor to iPadOS, and by combining that with a new dynamic keyboard, Apple could prepare for major overhauls to both its tablet and laptop lines. Additionally, when you look at the history of keyboards as a whole, the idea of a dynamic keyboard is something that many gadget designers have been dancing around for years going back to things like the Optimus Maximus keyboard from 2008 to more recent iterations such as Razer’s Deathstalker Ultimate and Elgato’s Stream Deck.
And while Apple’s patent specifically outlines a product made up of physical keys, we’re looking to the future and some companies want to create laptops with two screens or laptops with folding screens and no physical keyboard like Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Foldthe idea of a dynamic touchscreen keyboard becomes even more important, as they are just about a necessity for any system that wants to ditch traditional key switches and keycaps.