(Image Source: RobeRT Vega )

 

BY LEAH BECERRA

ANCHOR LOGAN TITTLE

Apple’s iconic earbuds might be getting a makeover. AppleInsider grabbed the scoop described in one of Apple’s new patent applications.

 

“Apple describes the new headphones as having an appearance that they were constructed as ‘a seamless unibody structure...’ Combining two different elements in this way may form a weld ring that can be cut, sanded, polished and cleaned.”

 

Moving toward a “unibody look” seems to be a trend for the company, as Apple demonstrated when it redid Macbook Pros in 2008. CNET reassures the headphone redesign won’t necessarily throw the classic earbud look out the door.

 

“...the design involves joining together multiple pieces of plastic. That's accomplished with ultrasonic welding...as opposed to using a liquid, or structural adhesive. By comparison, Apple suggests that the ultrasonic method would lead to a more ‘aesthetically pleasing’ and ‘seamless’ device.”

 

AppleInsider also uncovered a patent looking to change the way the headphones’ holes are designed. Apple said the current hole design compromises sound and appearance. PCMag explains the possible change.

 

“Apple's solution is a tool for ‘deburring’ and polishing the curved plastic cap of the earbud so that no remnants are left behind in the holes or on the surface of the headphones.”

 

AppAdvice is among many responders saying better sound quality is something they’d like to hear.

 

“While the new-look earbuds will hopefully become a reality sooner than later, maybe Apple engineers can actually improve the sound quality as well.”

 

So far, no one’s reporting any timeframe for these changes.