Fairphone has officially announced that its upcoming Fairbuds 2 wireless earbuds are scheduled to launch on October 14. The company plans an initial release across European markets, which will be followed shortly after by a rollout in the United States. Price-wise, the new generation of repairable earbuds will retail for €119 in Europe and $119 in the US. This pricing structure marks a noticeable $30 price drop when compared to the original model's debut price in Europe after converting the figures into US dollars.
Modular Design and Replacement Options
In statements provided to The Verge, Fairphone emphasized that the Fairbuds 2 will continue to uphold the brand's core commitment to sustainability and repairability. The upcoming audio device incorporates seven individual user-replaceable components, allowing owners to easily perform routine maintenance or replace worn-out elements over time. Specifically, users have the ability to swap out the batteries located within each earbud as well as the battery inside the charging case itself. Furthermore, if a user happens to lose or damage part of the set, Fairphone offers the option to purchase a single replacement earbud rather than forcing customers to buy an entirely new unit. Teaser posts shared by the company on social media channels also indicate that a distinct green color variant will be part of the official hardware lineup.
Audio Upgrades and Design Changes
Beyond its sustainable construction, the Fairbuds 2 introduces several key hardware and functional enhancements over its predecessor. A notable technical upgrade is the inclusion of support for Sony's LDAC audio codec, which allows compatible host devices to stream high-resolution audio. In contrast, the original Fairbuds model was constrained to standard SBC and AAC audio codecs. Recently leaked images reveal that the Fairbuds 2 feature a modified physical form factor incorporating stems, moving away from the rounded shape characteristic of the earlier generation. However, Fairphone has not yet confirmed whether these new stems will integrate physical squeeze controls or touch-sensitive input options for managing audio playback.
AI-generated editorial illustration; not a documentary photograph.
Source: Fairphone's Fairbuds 2 arrive October 14 with seven replaceable parts
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