2021 AirPods may miss out on the 'stem', could be more compact in design

As per Prosser, these images probably show the 3rd-gen Apple AirPods and the 2nd-gen AirPods Pro models.

Apple AirPods Pro (HT Tech)

Recently there was a report mentioning about Apple's upcoming AirPods accessories. The report cited a tipster called Mr. White on Twitter. As per the tipster, the 2021 AirPods Pro is supposed to come in two sizes featuring W2 processors. That's because in the image posted by Mr. White on the microblogging website, there were two sizes of cables. However, it looks like this might not be the case with the upcoming AirPods Pro, according to a more reliable tipster John Prosser. 

As per him, these images probably show the 3rd-gen Apple AirPods and the 2nd-gen AirPods Pro models. According to Prosser's source, these two might launch later this year. The source adds that both are smaller because they use new designed SIP module (System in Package) from a company that has just entered the AirPods supply chain. However, the details are yet to be known. 

Adding to the speculation, Prosser mentioned that the designs of the two AirPods have not been finalized yet. He goes on to speculate that the smaller size prototype might also mean that the next generation AirPods and AirPods Pro may not feature a stem.

These could prove to be a potential rival to Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Buds Pro. According to a recent leak, the battery life of Buds Pro could be at par with that of Apple AirPods Pro. As per a tipster, Ishan Agarwal, the Galaxy Buds Pro, along with the battery inside the case, will reportedly deliver a total of 28 hours of playback. This is almost the same as what Apple claims for its AirPods Pro. 

If you compare it with Samsung's own earbuds, then these are comparatively better than Galaxy Buds Live, which deliver around 21 hours of listening time.