Fairphone's second generation of true wireless earbuds has surfaced in a new leak, giving buyers an early look at the design ahead of an expected launch later this year. Leaked images show the Fairbuds 2 in two color options, green and black, with a noticeably different look from the company's first attempt.

What the leak shows

The most obvious change is the addition of stems. The original Fairbuds, which arrived in April 2024, used a stemless design, while the sequel adopts the more common stem shape seen across the wireless earbud market. The charging case also appears thicker than before.

That bulkier case has prompted speculation that Fairphone may have fitted a larger battery than the 500mAh cell used in the original. For now, that remains unconfirmed, as full specifications have not appeared alongside the images.

When to expect the Fairbuds 2

Fairphone is reportedly preparing to introduce the Fairbuds 2 during the fourth quarter, meaning a reveal is likely between October and December. Pricing and detailed specifications have not yet leaked, leaving key questions about battery life, sound performance and features unanswered.

Repairability remains the selling point

Whatever the final specs, the Fairbuds 2 are widely expected to continue Fairphone's core mission of building repairable, longer-lasting devices. The original Fairbuds leaned heavily into that approach, offering individually replaceable components that owners could swap out themselves.

On the first-generation model, the batteries inside the earbuds, the battery in the case, the silicone ear tips and rings, and even the outer shell of the case could all be replaced using nothing more than a Phillips screwdriver and a prying tool. That level of user-serviceability is central to Fairphone's identity, and it would be a surprise if the second generation abandoned it.

Repairable earbuds address one of the biggest sustainability problems with the category. Because the tiny batteries inside wireless earbuds degrade over time and are often glued into sealed housings, many pairs become effectively disposable once the charge no longer holds. A design that lets owners replace the battery and worn tips could significantly extend the life of the product.

Why it matters

If Fairphone delivers a more conventional stem design without sacrificing repairability, the Fairbuds 2 could appeal to buyers who want the familiar fit and controls of mainstream earbuds while still keeping the option to repair rather than replace. The company's challenge will be matching the audio quality, noise cancellation and battery life offered by larger rivals, all of which will become clearer once official details arrive later this year.