LeBron James seen wearing what looks like unreleased Beats Studio Buds

(Image credit: LeBron James, Instagram)

The cogs of the Beats rumour mill are whirring up a storm, aren't they? Yesterday we saw leaked images of the still-unannounced Beats Studio Buds, and just over a week ago the unofficial buds showed up in Apple's iOS 14.6 beta code.

Now, Apple still has yet to acknowledge the existence of the Beats Studio Buds, but that hasn't stopped LA Lakers superstar LeBron James from posting pictures of himself seemingly wearing them, on Instagram.

Beats Studio Buds, LeBron James — (Image credit: LeBron James, Instagram)

Why are we so sure we're seeing the new Beats Studio Buds? Take a closer look at the top edge. That striking squared-off ridge you can just see is a dead ringer for MacRumors contributor Steve Moser's animations of the product, below.

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Animations of Beats Studio Buds: 🧵 pic.twitter.com/XYVvYP7ez3May 17, 2021

LeBron's fresh buds also echo the aesthetic of the pair on the far right of the image below, another mock-up originally shared by MacRumours.

The Beats Studio Buds have appeared by name (and with detailed illustrations) in recent FCC filings, which is fairly conclusive proof that the product is indeed real and ready for launch – in the States, at least.

Now, we just need the official announcement from Apple...

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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.