A new photo, published on Friday, shows what is claimed to be a demonstration kit Apple Stores will soon use for customers to try on in-ear headphones, something that might otherwise be uncomfortable or unsanitary.
The image, from Japanese blog Macotakara, depicts a tray with several different brands, including three Beats models -- the Tour, urBeats, and PowerBeats 2 Wireless -- plus three models from other companies. These include the JayBird BlueBuds X, Bose QC20i, and RHA MA450i. Notably missing are Apple EarPods.
The kit reportedly contains tips of different sizes, which should allow any person to try on headphones that have also been properly sanitized between uses. Apple already lets users try on-ear or over-the-ear headphones, but these come in fixed sizes and may not need to be cleaned as regularly or as thoroughly.
The emphasis on Beats products may suggest that Apple isn't interested in upselling customers to EarPods, which are already included with new iPhones. The Beats brand may be both more popular and more profitable.
It remains unclear when Apple might roll this kit out to its retail stores. The changes could come alongside a more sweeping update, spearheaded by retail chief Angela Ahrendts and design lead Jony Ive, that will alter some facets of the Apple Store formula to support sales of the Apple Watch beginning next month.