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."

10 Comments

Rayz2016 6957 comments · 8 Years

About 4 years ago

Does this mean the kids are buying Apple and not Beats?

Wesley Hilliard 253 comments · 4 Years

Rayz2016 said:

Does this mean the kids are buying Apple and not Beats?

If every iPhone user in the world bought Apple headphones, there would still be a market of over 2 billion Android users for Beats headphones

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.

MacPro 19811 comments · 18 Years

I wonder if we will see a new market for interchangeable headband color options and swappable parts just like the Watch wristbands.

Wesley Hilliard said:

Rayz2016 said:

Does this mean the kids are buying Apple and not Beats?

If every iPhone user in the world bought Apple headphones, there would still be a market of over 2 billion Android users for Beats headphones

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.

Well out of reach...? Have you seen many a 'kid's' bedroom these days with X Boxes and PC gaming machines? If Apple added a detachable mic on a boom they sell like hotcakes to these kids.

jcs2305 1340 comments · 11 Years

Wesley Hilliard said:

Rayz2016 said:

Does this mean the kids are buying Apple and not Beats?

If every iPhone user in the world bought Apple headphones, there would still be a market of over 2 billion Android users for Beats headphones

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.

For years kids walked around with $300.00 plus Beats cans around their necks like a fashion accessory hahaha? Kinds do like Airpods nowadays for sure, but it's certainly not because they are cheaper.