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

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.

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.