The next pair of Google Pixel Buds may be the Pixel Buds A, not the Pixel Buds 3 - like the rumored Google Pixel 5a, this set of true wireless earbuds suggests it could be a more affordable model.

A 9to5Google report claims to have revealed the name of the new earbuds and two color options: white and green.

According to the report, the Pixel Buds A will be "virtually indistinguishable visually" from the existing Pixel Buds 2, with only two color schemes to choose from: white and a dark "forest green". This is consistent with what appears to be two variations of the new Google Pixel Buds models recently leaked through the FCC certification process that have been revealed.

Assuming a very similar design to the Pixel Buds 2, we can expect similar features such as interchangeable in-ear tips and wings to secure the earphones. Touch controls, activated by tapping on the outside of each earpiece, also appear to be included on the Pixel Buds A

. Perhaps the Pixel Buds A case will not support wireless charging like the Pixel Buds 2 case. Or the earbuds may not have the IPX4 waterproof rating of the current model.

The Pixel Buds 2 currently costs $179, so there should be plenty of room for Google to make a more affordable alternative that challenges the best inexpensive wireless earbuds without the need to lower standards for sound quality or battery life.

We've seen some very good buds under $150 recently, including active noise cancellation like the $99 JLab Epic Air Sport ANC.

The Pixel Buds A could undercut the Apple AirPods 3, but release dates for both headphones have yet to be determined. The aforementioned FCC document contains an image confidentiality condition that expires in September 2021, so one would expect the Pixel Buds A to be available before then, while the AirPods 3 are currently said to be released later this year.