A new report this morning — ought to be taken with utmost caution — from MySmartPrice corroborates rumors of a Spring launch for AirPower, and says updated AirPods will feature a “new design” and a grip-inclined coating. The source also calls for improved audio quality from the buds, a black color offering, and an improved design allowing for greater bass response.

According to the source, the new coating which could make its way to AirPods 2 is similar in style to the glass found on the rear of the Google Pixel 3. For those unfamiliar, the rear of the Pixel 3 features a frosted, soft touch feel glass which provides an ever-so-subtle grip — particularly accentuated when placed in your ears, apparently.

The rumor suggests that not only will the top portion of the AirPod 2 buds feature this coating, but entire case as well. As for price, $199 is the figure mentioned, though it seems more speculative than anything.

The source also speaks on AirPower, saying that the mat will be thicker than originally intended thanks to its 8-7-7 coil configuration, however, Apple will entice users with “exclusive” features related the mat not expected until iOS 13. It’s unclear exactly what “features” Apple would or even could hold back from a charging mat via software, however. The report calls for a $149 price tag, however, that again feels more like a guess rather than confirmed word.

Interestingly, a separate sketchy report from DroidShout earlier this week also called for a new grip coating to debut on the rear glass of iPhone 11, however, more concrete evidence corroborating that claim has yet to be discovered.

The last time MySmartPrice and AirPods 2 made headlines was back in November, when the site initially reported on the Bluetooth 5.0 headphones receiving SIG certification.

The most solid knowledge we have regarding AirPods 2 comes from Digitimes, who reported last month the headphones would launch in the first half of this year with improved health-tracking features.

This is the first real talk we’ve heard of a new coating which could provide better grip on future Apple products. Are you excited? How about the prospect of black AirPods finally? Let us know what you think in the comments section down below!

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