Bloomberg: Apple to Unveil High-End Over-Ear Wireless Headphones With Magnetically Swappable Parts Later This Year

[MacRumors]

Apple's long-rumored over-ear wireless headphones are likely to be unveiled later this year, and a new report today from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman offers more details on what we can expect from the product.

According to the report, Apple is working on at least two versions of the headphones, including a "premium version with leather-like fabrics" and a "fitness-focused model that uses lighter, breathable materials with small perforations."

Prototypes of the headphones have a retro look with oval-shaped ear cups that swivel and a headband connected by thin, metal arms. The arms stem from the top of the ear cups rather than the sides, the people added. They asked not to be identified discussing products that haven't been announced.

According to Gurman's sources, the over-ear headphones that Apple is currently developing have ear pads and headband padding that attach to the frame magnetically, allowing users to swap them in and out for customization and replacement. This design may even allow users to easily convert the headphones from comfort to fitness.

Apple is expected to use wireless-pairing and noise cancellation features in the headphones like those found in its AirPods Pro earbuds. Similarly, the new headphones will use Siri for voice control and have a limited set of integrated touch controls, according to the report.

Apple headphones have been rumored for a few years now. Since 2018, rumors have predicted launch dates for the headphones that continuously miss their mark, from launching in late 2018 to sometime in the second half of 2019. However, leaked icons for the headphones were found in a leaked iOS 14 beta last month, suggesting a release sooner rather than later.

The latest murmurs from Gurman's sources say Apple plans to unveil the headphones later this year, and Twitter leaker John Prosser has claimed Apple is targeting a June WWDC debut, with pricing set at around $350, putting them in the range of Beats Studio3 and Bose 700 headphones.

Apple is reportedly planning to target the high-end audio market with the device, which could explain the ongoing delays in the manufacturing process as the company tries to perfect the design.

The impact of the viral pandemic could also cause problems for Apple. Gurman says China's Goertek is one of the partners Apple has discussed for handling assembly of the headphones, but the manufacturer has yet to recover fully from the disruption.

Article Link: Bloomberg: Apple to Unveil High-End Over-Ear Wireless Headphones With Magnetically Swappable Parts Later This Year

 

[Justin Cymbal]

I would definitely buy these!

The noise cancellation on the AirPods Pro works good but over the ear would be much better

If these are released in the fall I'm sure they would sell a ton of these over Christmas time

 

[martyjmclean]

There's nothing wrong with my ATH-M40x's, but if these are wireless (why wouldn't they be?) then they'd be an insta-buy.

 

[Rojaaemon]

Can't wait to wear these in my Apple Car!

 

[44267547]

I recently purchased Sonys 1000XM3 (Amazing), But knowingly realized Apple is slated to release their version of ‘over the ear’ headphones this year. But, I’m impatient and we all know, that Apple may be behind on releasing these on time given the global pandemic. But there’s no doubt, These will definitely pinpoint a certain segment who really do want some of the highest quality sound possible. [The removable ‘magnetic’ attachments sounds very Apple-ish.’]

 

[Marco Klobas]

I'm quite curious about it. If worth, they could replace my B&O H7.

 

[G5isAlive]

Will apple glasses slide out from those cups and swing around to in front of my eyes? now that would be cool.

 

[FlyingDutch]

Ear pads of my Studio3 Wireless are completely worned out after one year and half of indoor use.
My Solo 3 wireless were already replaced under warranty after less than two years of life.
I’m definitely not impressed with Beats / Apple products so far...

 

[44267547]

Ear pads of my Studio3 Wireless are completely worned out after one year and half of indoor use.
My Solo 3 wireless were already replaced under warranty after less than two years of life.
I’m definitely not impressed with Beats / Apple products so far...

Yeah, I’m gonna go ahead and just knock ‘beats’ here for a second. I considered the Solo three wireless, and even though the sound wasn’t really negatively reviewed, the hardware was. One thing that seems to be a problem with the ‘beats brand’, is the poor hardware/longevity doesn’t seem to uphold given the price point they are charging. Even though I think beats is a massive cache for Apple, it’s also junk hardware across their entire lineup that seems to not last nearly as long as it should.

 

[ruka.snow]

Some Apple headphones would be nice especially since I rather dislike in ear options.

 

[Rogifan]

I have a pair of Audio Technica cans that I love but they’re not wireless so having to use lightning and usb-c dongles is a pain. If these sound as good it will be a buy from me.

 

[needsomecoffee]

Replaceable battery ?? Or another device that demands disposal/repurchase every few years ??

 

[satchmo]

In other words, the watch band model but for headphones.
Customizable but within limits. This could be big.

 

[44267547]

In other words, the watch band model but for headphones.
Customizable but within limits. This could be big.

This.... Is actually a really good comparison in terms of what it will probably be. Customizable as much as can for the user, but in terms of offering high-fidelity sound, sounds like a win-win.

 

[tizeye]

Would love these as prefer over the ear for the better isolation and allow usage even when wearing hearing aides (surprisingly). With earbuds have to swap back and forth. Love my Bowers and Wilkins P7 but would like less bulky. The only thing I ask is that also have the option for direct wire. While wireless is great, sometimes, like on a plane, it has to be plugged in to watch the in-flight programming.

 

[ginkobiloba]

Apple is reportedly planning to target the high-end audio market with the device,

I hope they understand that the high-end market often uses high-end playing devices ( and headphone amplifiers, etc) for listening to non-compressed music, and therefore a wired connection is required in addition to wireless.
Unless « high-end » simply means the same people that enjoy iPhone earbuds but need to buy everything Apple.

 

[eastwoodandy]

I’m quite happy with my Bose QC35s. I hate the trend of touch & voice controls on headphones. The amount of people I see faffing with touch controls to pause music in the office is ridiculous! Hardware buttons are far better when you can see where you’re touching and voice control for headphones just makes you look like a dick.

And if there is no wired connection that rules out any kind of music recording or production.

 

[nvmls]

Interesting, hope the penny-pinching is not that strong on this one.

 

[mike...]

Would be cool if they had some kind of magnetic charging cable that would keep them safe from being snagged while you're wearing them. Magnetic, and safe. They could call it MagSafe, and it would make a wonderful addition to laptops too.

 

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

Magnetics huh... Can't wait to rip them off an unsuspecting head!

 

[Tech198]

Wait a sec..Magnets. What if you place then down on your desk,,, i could stat picking up paperclips. Probably not a good idea.

I do like the convenience, but i wonder how much the replacements will be.

 

[bchery21]

At this point I'm just intrigued about the design.

 

[Jay42]

Before anyone lets their imagination run too wild over "magnetically swappable parts," I imagine this is just a translated reference to replaceable ear pads that attach to the headphones via a magnetic mount, which high-end headphones have had for a long time.

 

[femike]

Replacement cushions, good. Replacement battery?

 

[CJM]

Would be cool if they used the iPad Pro's "Studio quality mics" for calls. (but also had PC compatibility) Have been looking for a wireless gamer headset that doesn't suck.