Rumors have been circulating since early this year that Apple is ditching the 3.5mm headphone jack in its next flagship iPhone. Some reports suggest that the Cupertino giant will utilize the lightning port for power and data transfer, as well as a redesigned earbud, to save space and make the device thinner. But the more likely scenario is that Apple will be introducing a new ear bud called AirPod, which will be completely wireless.

The wireless earbud is said to be being developed by Apple and Beats Electronics, and has been compared to other wireless earbuds available today. New evidence of a 3.5mm-less iPhone appeared last March when an alleged case for the rumored iPhone 7 surfaced the web and it showed no holes meant for an earphone.

We’re still months away from Apple’s annual September event when it is expected to reveal its next flagship device, but there are now more wireless earbuds popping up on crowdfunding sites, likely in anticipation for the new 3.5mm-less iPhone.

IQbuds

Nuheara Ltd. launched IQbuds, an innovative hearable that integrates the function of three devices in one. IQbuds are Bluetooth earpieces, a noise cancelling headset, and an assisted listening device, allowing the user to control what to hear to be able to better communicate with people, manage devices, and listen to music. It uses the company’s proprietary Super Intelligent Noise Cancellation (SINC) technology that allows users to focus on sounds that they want to hear such as listening to people even when in a very noisy environment, or tune out the world altogether. IQbuds connect to a smartphone using Bluetooth so the user can listen to music, engage with voice-enabled apps, as well as make hands-free calls.

The IQbuds are touch-enabled so users can easily answer calls, stop or start music, and control how much of the outside world can be heard. The IQbuds last up to four hours with constant Bluetooth streaming and comes in a carrying case that doubles as its charging pod which delivers three recharges, totaling to 16 hours of on-the-go battery life.

Interested parties can back the IQbuds on Indiegogo, Inc. for $189. Estimated delivery date is December 2016.

Harsaa

What could be described as one of the smallest wireless earbuds, Harsaa is designed to cater to a user’s individual needs by integrating all the hottest technology into a (very) tiny package.

Aside from serving as a Bluetooth earpiece for communication, Harsaa also allows users to listen to music, track fitness and sleep, monitor heart rates, and even has a panic function. It also features Near Field Communication (NFC) support, gesture control, noise cancellation, is waterproof, and like most other wireless earbuds, its carrying case also doubles as a charging pod.

Harsaa may be small, but it aims to be a huge part of the wearer’s life. It can help users block out noise while sleeping, and analyzes sleep quality. For active people, they can listen to music while working out and they no longer have to wear a smartband to track their fitness progress. It can be used to unlock electronic doors, or transfer data to NFC-enabled smartphones, and can even keep the wearer safe with its panic function and transparency feature that allows users to hear their surroundings when they wish to.

Harsaa aims to raise $30,000 on Indiegogo, but unlike IQbuds, this wireless earbud doesn’t seem to be getting too much traction. Interested parties can back Harsaa for $99. Estimated delivery data is October 2016.

RippleBuds

RippleBuds is a pair of wireless earbuds that features an in-ear microphone that picks up a user’s voice directly from the ear canal, allowing it to insulate the user’s voice from the outside world. This ensures that even in a very loud environment, the user will be clearly heard by the other person on the phone. This technology also allows for better voice recognition for voice services such as Siri or Google Voice. The user can easily reject or accept a call by just saying ‘no’ or ‘yes’ when a call comes in.

Other features of RippleBuds include device loss prevention as it delivers a notification when the user wanders 30 feet away from the connected device, and comes in a portable battery case that can recharge the wireless earbuds to up to three times while on the go.

Though the RippleBuds invade a user’s ear, they’re designed to prevent hearing impairment with a three fin ear-pad design that significantly reduces ambient noise.

RippleBuds are on Kickstarter PBC, having already surpassed the funding goal of $50,000 and approaching their $600K stretch goal. Interested parties can fund RippleBuds for $89. Estimated delivery date is June 2016.

Images courtesy IQbuds, Harsaa & RippleBuds