The Rise of Translucent Designs in Tech
In recent years, the trend of translucent product designs has garnered attention, although it remains somewhat niche. While many consumers prefer traditional solid designs for their gadgets, a dedicated segment of enthusiasts appreciates the aesthetic of visible internals. This fascination was notably highlighted over four years ago when Apple collector Giulio Zompetti showcased a rare prototype of translucent Apple AirPods.
Recent Developments: Powerbeats Pro 2 Prototype
Despite the buzz generated by the AirPods prototype, Apple has never officially confirmed plans to launch such a product, and no subsequent items have emerged in a similar transparent style. However, a recent revelation from reputable leaker Sonny Dickson on X/Twitter has stirred interest once again. He posted an image of a recently unveiled prototype for the Powerbeats Pro 2 that showcases a translucent design.
Features of the Powerbeats Pro 2
Launched in February 2023, the Powerbeats Pro 2 marks a milestone as the first Apple earbuds equipped with heart-rate tracking capabilities. These cutting-edge earbuds are powered by Apple’s H2 processor, offering features such as:
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Transparency mode
- Adaptive Equalizer
- Spatial audio
Available in four enticing color options, the Powerbeats Pro 2 is designed to cater to a variety of customer preferences.
Insights on the Prototype’s Design
The translucent prototype of the Powerbeats Pro 2 appears somewhat rough around the edges, which is typical for prototypes intended for internal examination by engineers. Should Apple choose to release this design, consumers can expect a significantly refined final product.
You’ve probably seen transparent AirPods floating around — here’s the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 version. Likely just a prototype for now, but if Apple ever releases it, expect a much more polished finish.pic.twitter.com/WKJ21Arnrw
— Sonny Dickson (@SonnyDickson) May 18, 2025
Visual Details and Further Speculation
In the shared images, the Powerbeats Pro 2 prototype is displayed both inside a translucent case and separately, revealing its intricate internal components. Another angle highlights essential elements like the magnetic charging coil, USB port, and various cables, further allowing fans to speculate on this design direction.
Future of Translucent Designs at Apple
At this juncture, it’s uncertain whether Apple plans to manufacture the Powerbeats Pro 2 in a translucent variant. Nevertheless, the company’s recent introduction of a transparent color option for the Beats Studio Buds+ in 2023 signals an ongoing exploration of unique aesthetics.
Join the Conversation
We invite you to share your opinions on this intriguing new prototype. Would you like to see Apple make translucent devices a standard offering in the future?
Image via Sonny Dickson on X
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