In the fourth quarter of 2026, Fairphone is preparing to release the next generation of its Fairbuds earbuds, known as the Fairbuds 2. These will follow the original Fairbuds, launched in April 2024, and the Fairbuds XL, a larger model introduced in 2025, which is still available. According to leaked photos obtained by the Dutch tech news site NieuweMobiel, the Fairbuds 2 will have a notably different design from previous models. The original Fairbuds had a smooth, oval shape without a visible stem, while the new model appears to adopt a traditional stem design, similar to many popular in-ear earbuds on the market. The charging case for the Fairbuds 2 also seems to have changed, with images showing a thicker case, possibly indicating a larger battery for extended use. The new case includes a USB-C port, metal contacts for charging the earbuds, and LED indicators in the center. Two color options have been spotted: Forest Green and Horizon Black, matching the color scheme of the Fairphone 6 Plus smartphone. A key selling point of the Fairbuds has been their focus on reparability, which is a core value for the Fairphone brand. The original model allowed users to replace seven different parts using only a cross screwdriver and a lever tool, including the batteries in each earbud, the case battery, silicone tips, and the outer case. This made the Fairbuds highly repairable and earned them the highest score from iFixit, a well-known repairability rating organization. While the Fairbuds 2 are expected to maintain this modular design, Fairphone has not yet confirmed which parts will be replaceable in the new version. The shift in design, particularly the inclusion of a stem, raises concerns about whether the repair-friendly approach will continue. Many stem-style earbuds on the market use glued-in batteries, which are difficult to replace without professional help. The original Fairbuds featured several advanced technologies, including 11 mm drivers with a titanium coating, active noise cancellation that also reduces wind noise, six microphones, Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity with multipoint functionality, and an IP54 rating that protects against water and sweat. The total battery life with the charging case was 26 hours. It remains to be seen if the Fairbuds 2 will maintain or improve on these features. Fairphone has not yet disclosed the full specifications, replaceable parts, or price of the new model. The company plans to reveal these details when the Fairbuds 2 officially launch in the fourth quarter of 2026.