Beats Studio Buds appear in leaked images ahead of launch

Beats Studio Buds image leaked
(Image credit: MySmartPrice (source unknown))

Eight days ago we reported that Apple was working on a Beats-branded set of true wireless headphones named 'Beats Studio Buds', as spotted in the 14.6 iOS and tvOS codes. Now – and most likely ahead of an impending official launch – the first actual (if unofficial) product images have been leaked online.

According to MySmartPrice (and as reported by 9to5Mac) the Indian-based website received live images of the Beats Studio Buds. Notable in the photo above – aside from the lovely white gloves – is an elliptical-shaped earpiece featuring two tiny cutouts. 

The image shows an in-ear design and one not dissimilar to the Award-winning Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2. Interestingly, it is unlike any AirPods model (known for that 'toothbrush head' shape) or Beats Powerbeats product currently available.

The design is similar to the one revealed in an Apple FCC listing recently and it is missing its tips. If Apple follows a similar path here as it did with AirPods Pro, the Beats Studio Buds could come with three different-sized tips for an optimum fit.

The Beats Studio Buds are likely to feature Apple's H1 chip to offer faster connection, increased stability, improved battery life and the “Hey, Siri” feature. To clarify, this is the more advanced chip, found in the second-generation ‌AirPods‌, ‌AirPods Pro‌, AirPods Max, Powerbeats ProBeats Solo Pro and Powerbeats 4. (The W1 chip is the one found in the previous Beats X, and the 2020-release budget-conscious Beats Flex.)

Compared to the Powerbeats Pro, Beats’ new earbuds seem a much more compact proposition and will likely include noise cancelling, which the Powerbeats Pro does not feature.

When will Apple release its new Beats-branded earbuds? We can't be sure – but if you're a Beats headphones fan it is time to get excited. The product was found in iOS 14.6 after all. It can't be long... 

MORE: 

Read all our Beats reviews 

See all our Apple reviews

Want the AirPods 3 intel? See AirPods 3: release date, price, design, leaks and news

Becky has been a full-time staff writer at What Hi-Fi? since March 2019. Prior to gaining her MA in Journalism in 2018, she freelanced as an arts critic alongside a 20-year career as a professional dancer and aerialist – any love of dance is of course tethered to a love of music. Becky has previously contributed to Stuff, FourFourTwo, This is Cabaret and The Stage. When not writing, she dances, spins in the air, drinks coffee, watches football or surfs in Cornwall with her other half – a football writer whose talent knows no bounds. 

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