'AirPods Studio' renders based on leaked video surface
Prolific leaker Jon Prosser has offered a look at what the "AirPods Studio" could look like, with 3D renders showing metal and leather casing with mesh ear pads.
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Jon Prosser and @CConceptCreator render of "AirPods Studio"
Following Monday's renders of "AirTags" event, Jon Prosser advised a second video was on the way covering "AirPods Studio" in a similar fashion. Prosser did warn in the "AirTags" video that "AirPods Studio" were unlikely to be appearing at the special event, which ended up being true.
"AirPods Studio" will have magnetic ear cups
Just as with "AirTags," Prosser received video depicting the "AirPods Studio" from his source which he handed over to "ConceptCreator" to produce renders in order to protect his source. Before the renders could be published, however, the leaker known as Fudge shared the video in a tweet.
Left/right ear detection so orientation does not matter
On top of the existing sensors in the AirPods and AirPods Pro for determining which earbud is worn, as well as for playing and pausing audio when removed from the ear, the "AirPods Studio" is thought to have more sensors to use. For example, a proximity sensor in the headband would determine how the headphones are being worn, and could automatically play or pause music.
USB-C port, not Lightning
Other sensors covering whether the headphones are worn back to front have also been suggested, meaning there wouldn't be a specific left-ear or right-ear speaker as usual. Active Noise Cancellation from the AirPods Pro is also thought to make an appearance, taking advantage of the enclosed earcups to create a better seal.
There have been suggestions that Apple may offer a lot of customization options for the "AirPods Studio," including lots of swappable parts, such as magnetically-held headbands and ear cups. A sports version may be offered made from plastic and rubber, while a luxury version may feature leather and metal, while the swappable nature could also allow for the use of specialized components, like sweat-resistant earcups.
Speculation from Prosser himself put the price of the "AirPods Studio" at around $349.
@CConceptCreator render of" height="372" />Jon Prosser and @CConceptCreator render of "AirPods Studio"
Following Monday's renders of "AirTags" event, Jon Prosser advised a second video was on the way covering "AirPods Studio" in a similar fashion. Prosser did warn in the "AirTags" video that "AirPods Studio" were unlikely to be appearing at the special event, which ended up being true.
"AirPods Studio" will have magnetic ear cups
Just as with "AirTags," Prosser received video depicting the "AirPods Studio" from his source which he handed over to "ConceptCreator" to produce renders in order to protect his source. Before the renders could be published, however, the leaker known as Fudge shared the video in a tweet.
Left/right ear detection so orientation does not matter
What are AirPods Studio
In a continuation of the AirPods line, the "AirPods Studio" are thought to be a departure from the wireless earbuds design by being a pair of over-the-ear headphones. The premium personal audio accessory have been long rumored, and could contain quite a few features that AirPods already provide.On top of the existing sensors in the AirPods and AirPods Pro for determining which earbud is worn, as well as for playing and pausing audio when removed from the ear, the "AirPods Studio" is thought to have more sensors to use. For example, a proximity sensor in the headband would determine how the headphones are being worn, and could automatically play or pause music.
USB-C port, not Lightning
Other sensors covering whether the headphones are worn back to front have also been suggested, meaning there wouldn't be a specific left-ear or right-ear speaker as usual. Active Noise Cancellation from the AirPods Pro is also thought to make an appearance, taking advantage of the enclosed earcups to create a better seal.
There have been suggestions that Apple may offer a lot of customization options for the "AirPods Studio," including lots of swappable parts, such as magnetically-held headbands and ear cups. A sports version may be offered made from plastic and rubber, while a luxury version may feature leather and metal, while the swappable nature could also allow for the use of specialized components, like sweat-resistant earcups.
Speculation from Prosser himself put the price of the "AirPods Studio" at around $349.
Comments
With that said I want these to compete with high-end brands like Sennheiser and not crap like Bose. Beats can be Apple's "hip" casual brand and "StudioPods" could be their Pro line where they don't limit themselves.
My interpretation with the very little information gleaned from the leaks is these might be a very nice and upscale "Apple branded headphones" with a lot of Appleization being applied. Those thinking that they will be "audiophile" grade headphones will be disappointed. I wonder what tech from the HomePod (excluding the rumored speaker grille cloth) can be used, if any.
If and when Neil Young gives the "Apple branded headphones" his approval then I will think about purchasing them. /s
AirPods strongest plus is convenience and integration into the Apple ecosystem. It is not audio quality.
And even if it doesn't, what's the difference?
(except an iPhone 12 Pro)
You're obviously entitled to your opinion.
What, pray tell audio expert, are "high-end" headphones supposed to look like? Huh?
Some of the finest sounding headphones, er, ear speakers were were STAX electrostatics. There are some similarities between those and the render. Those are pretty good looking cans to my eye.
Bullshit and nonsense. You don't and can't know that, based on the render.
I'll agree that the render doesn't show how any vertical adjustment might be achieved. But I can see how it could be accomplished based on the render even if it isn't shown.
It's speculation on both our parts. It is entirely possible there would be all the typical adjustments needed as shown, even if we can't see it.
It would be some slick engineering, but entirely within Apple's wheelhouse to get it done.
Apple's current line up of AirPods aren't known for stellar audio quality, and some might argue they're mediocre. But I find them more than acceptable, for what they are.
I'm not a fan of over the ear headphones having active noise cancellation. Where I where them, there's no need for the feature or the additional cost it brings, in addition to the potential impairment that cheaper implementations bring.
It can be switched off, but I'd rather not pay for something I won't use. I'm looking at the Sony XM 4s and think Apple will trade superior audio fidelity for convenience. But for listening to all my Apple devices, these new cans might be worth considering. The way the AirPods can be quickly switched among a dozen devices without pairing every time has been a real convenience for me.
For relaxed (stationary) critical listening, I use either some AKGs or Senns. But with open backs, they can annoy my better half. If the AirPods Studio sound reasonably good, the convenience and peace they bring may be worth adding them to my aural armory.
Could be like the solo loop on Apple Watch. That would make these beautiful!
Headphone means sound that goes on your head. Like "earphones", sound that goes in your ears. "Phone" as in "iPhone" is slang for telephone so that's why you got mixed up. "Phone" really just means "sound".