Apple's luxury, over-ear headphones expected later in 2020
A new report on Thursday morning is claiming that Apple's long-rumored over-ear headphones are coming soon, and offers some new details about what the company has seeded to its employees for testing.
Thursday's report isn't the first to say that there were Apple high-end headphones on the way. It is the first to offer details, however.
According to Bloomberg's sources familiar with the matter, prototypes of the headphones have oval-shaped ear cups, connected to a headband with metal arms. Earpads and headband padding allegedly connect magnetically, allowing for easy exchange.
Furthermore, Thursday's report says that there are at least two variations, including one with leather, and a fitness version with breathable materials. It isn't clear how the "two variation" claims aligns with the other allegation of magnetically-swappable materials, as it would seem that with swappable fabrics on the ear and headband that there would be no need for multiple variants.
As with other rumors that have swirled about the audio accessory, Bloomberg says that Apple will use wireless connectivity and noise cancellation technology in the headphones.
Rumors about an Apple-branded -- and not Beats -- set of over-ear headphones started circulating in February 2018. At the time, Ming-Chi Kuo predicted an "all new" design with high quality audio components that will boost performance.
An April 7 report claimed that the release was coming as soon as the WWDC timeframe. That report, by Jon Prosser, said that the headphones under development had codename B515, will cost consumers $350, and will be similar to the Bose 700.
Thursday's report notes that Apple's launch of the product has been postponed at least twice, and have been in development since "at least 2018."
Thursday's report isn't the first to say that there were Apple high-end headphones on the way. It is the first to offer details, however.
According to Bloomberg's sources familiar with the matter, prototypes of the headphones have oval-shaped ear cups, connected to a headband with metal arms. Earpads and headband padding allegedly connect magnetically, allowing for easy exchange.
Furthermore, Thursday's report says that there are at least two variations, including one with leather, and a fitness version with breathable materials. It isn't clear how the "two variation" claims aligns with the other allegation of magnetically-swappable materials, as it would seem that with swappable fabrics on the ear and headband that there would be no need for multiple variants.
As with other rumors that have swirled about the audio accessory, Bloomberg says that Apple will use wireless connectivity and noise cancellation technology in the headphones.
Rumors about an Apple-branded -- and not Beats -- set of over-ear headphones started circulating in February 2018. At the time, Ming-Chi Kuo predicted an "all new" design with high quality audio components that will boost performance.
An April 7 report claimed that the release was coming as soon as the WWDC timeframe. That report, by Jon Prosser, said that the headphones under development had codename B515, will cost consumers $350, and will be similar to the Bose 700.
Thursday's report notes that Apple's launch of the product has been postponed at least twice, and have been in development since "at least 2018."
Comments
The Beats brand can co-exist, since many still don’t even realize the company is owned by Apple.
That being said, AirPods are all the rage for kids, but a luxury headphone like what’s described would be well out of reach for most kids, let alone adults. Easily a $400 product.
Back on topic, in my area I’m much more likely to see someone with AirPods than I am to see someone with Beats. I realize that Apple knows exactly how many headphones they sell in any particular style but it still kinda surprises me that it’s enough to warrant a new product in the over-the-ear category.
$350 can’t even buy a set of Mac Pro wheels.
Am holding off buying new Sennheiser Momentum headphones to see if these are better.
Beats are far too bass heavy for use by most people so this is very welcome news from me. Well overdue.