Google's next generation TWS earbuds could look like this

Update May 6, 2020 – See our full review of the new Pixel Buds (2020).

The Google Pixel Buds 2 are not even on sale yet and we’re already seeing chatter about the possible design of the alleged Pixel Buds 3.

Folks over at 91Mobiles have apparently discovered a new patent for true wireless earbuds filed by Google. The patent in question was registered with China’s National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) and shows a pair of cordless earbuds that don’t look anything like the Pixel Buds 2. Take a look at the patent drawing below.

This new design resembles that of the first generation Pixel Buds, albeit without any wires. It looks like Google could be moving towards a more compact footprint, even though the patent doesn’t really reveal any size details.

The ‘buds shown above clearly get rid of the fins and the round ear tips found on the current model. Instead, they appear to feature an insertable earpiece similar to what we saw on the original Pixel Buds.

Google’s patent doesn’t reveal anything else except for some more design drawings. Needless to say, we can’t be sure if this patent will even result in an actual product or if this is just something Google is experimenting with for now. They are certainly not confirmed to be the Pixel Buds 3, so don’t get your hopes up.

For now, we’re waiting for Google to sell the Pixel Buds 2 so we can actually give them a listen. The demo units we saw late last year were not functioning, but we still managed to put out our first impressions. You can give that a read here.