Images showing various system-on-a-chip housings for an unreleased "AirPods Pro 2" have surfaced on Twitter, shared by someone generally known for accurate part leaks.
Image of the SoC housing from an alleged new set of AirPods Pro
A Twitter user known as "Mr. White" with a decent leaking history has shared new part images for the "AirPods Pro 2." The images shown depict different sized SoC housing for the H1 processor which could indicate different sized earbuds in the future model. Mr. White mistakenly calls them W2 processors, however.
New AirPods Pro Mabey Two Sizes Still W2 Chips pic.twitter.com/R5MpzUrUlg
-- Mrwhite (@laobaiTD) December 29, 2020
The different colors seem to be meaningless. The leaker remarks in a later tweet that "AirPods not suitable for black" meaning there could be another reason for different colors besides color coordinated hardware.
Apple is expected to release the "AirPods Pro 2" alongside new "AirPods 3" in early 2021. The SoC package is expected to be more complex in order to accommodate more tech in a smaller device, which could also eliminate the stem entirely.
If the "AirPods Pro 2" move to a stemless design, then there will be a need for different sized ear pieces in order to get the best fit for a user. This explains why there would be different sized SoC housings.
Mr. White has a history of sharing Apple part assemblies on Twitter -- seemingly straight from the assembly line. The account is accurate enough for what has been released, minus some notable misses.
Previously, the leaker shared images of braided Lightning cables and AirPower panels that never released, but did show off back panels of the iPhone 12 Pro before it was announced with its proper LiDAR placement.