Apple over-ear headphones and 'AirPods X' may launch later in 2020

Posted:
in Future Apple Hardware edited March 2023
Apple could be preparing to release its first over-ear headphones at WWDC, according to a rumor, while the alleged "AirPods Pro Lite" may land in the fall under the name "AirPods X."




Rumors and speculation about over-the-ear Apple headphones have circulated for years, with it generally thought to be a high-specification personal audio product. While the rumors have been around for a long time, it is suggested there may not be long until it sees the light of day.

In a tweet on Tuesday, serial leaker Jon Prosser claims Apple is aiming to launch its over-ear headphones at WWDC in June. The headphones are said to have the codename B515, will cost consumers $350, and will be similar to the Bose 700.

You ready for this?

Apple Over-Ear Headphones
Codename: B515
(Think Beats 700)
$350
Aimed for WWDC

AirPods X
Codename: B517
For sports/running
(think Beats X)
~$200
Aimed for Sept/Oct

Probably what DigiTimes thought was "AirsPods Pro Lite"

End goal: phase out Beats

-- Jon Prosser (@jon_prosser)


Over-ear headphones have been on the cards for some time, with Apple so far deferring the product category to its Beats brand rather than under its own name. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggested that in 2018 an "all-new" design of premium over-ear headphones were on the way, retaining the wireless capabilities of the AirPods.

The same tweet also put forward the idea that Apple's next AirPods launch will occur in September or October, the usual period when Apple reveals its newest iPhones. For that model, it will apparently cost in the region of $200 and will be called the "AirPods X."

Prosser goes on to suggest the model will be "for sports/running and to think of it as being similar to the Beats X. The Beats X are Bluetooth earphones that have a connecting wire between the two earbuds, a major departure in design from what has been presented by the wireless AirPods.

There have been rumors Apple was preparing the "AirPods Pro Lite," a model that would offer some of the features of the AirPods Pro but at a more wallet-conscious price.


Read on AppleInsider

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 9
    lkrupplkrupp Posts: 10,557member
    I have an older pair of Beats Solo and would instantly retire them for an Apple branded model (probably still made by Beats though). 
  • Reply 2 of 9
    blastdoorblastdoor Posts: 3,290member
    Now more than ever, we need the AirPods Proforma 6100 which is ever so slightly different from the AirPods PowerPro 6100AV. 
    goodbyeranchfluffheadtobian
  • Reply 3 of 9
    JBSloughJBSlough Posts: 92member
    I’m convinced that these “AirPods Pro Lite” is just a new version of the regular AirPods. Smaller stem like the Pros have. 
    Beats
  • Reply 4 of 9
    BeatsBeats Posts: 3,073member
    "End goal: phase out Beats"

    Is this guy nuts? Unless Apple has an iPhone Vs. iPod situation, why would Apple kill the world's most popular headphones?

    lkrupp said:
    I have an older pair of Beats Solo and would instantly retire them for an Apple branded model (probably still made by Beats though). 

    How much is Beats involved in Apple design? Looks to me the opposite has been happening. I'd rather Apple design Beats.


    edited April 2020
  • Reply 5 of 9
    Maybe it will have to do with AR Audio that may be announced at the WWDC20.
  • Reply 6 of 9
    entropysentropys Posts: 4,166member
    The over ears need to sound better, and have Better ANC than current benchmarks Sony XM3 and Bose QC35.
    Otherwise we will never hear the end of it.
  • Reply 7 of 9
    lkrupplkrupp Posts: 10,557member
    entropys said:
    The over ears need to sound better, and have Better ANC than current benchmarks Sony XM3 and Bose QC35.
    Otherwise we will never hear the end of it.
    Pffft! We never hear the end of anyway, no matter what. Whatever Apple’s product turns out to be it will be attacked  by the ‘anything-but-Apple’ crowd. that’s juts how it is.
    edited April 2020
  • Reply 8 of 9
    BeatsBeats Posts: 3,073member
    entropys said:
    The over ears need to sound better, and have Better ANC than current benchmarks Sony XM3 and Bose QC35.
    Otherwise we will never hear the end of it.

    And Bose sucks. The sad thing is, Bose has become the "everything-but-Apple" headphone company.
  • Reply 9 of 9
    fastasleepfastasleep Posts: 6,417member
    Beats said:
    "End goal: phase out Beats"

    Is this guy nuts? Unless Apple has an iPhone Vs. iPod situation, why would Apple kill the world's most popular headphones?

    Dre, is that you?
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