Bluetooth Headphone Revenue Overtakes Non-Bluetooth Ahead of iPhone 7 Launch

[MH01]

Weak argument.
Wired headphones fail all the time because the cable breaks, and not all cables are replaceable. A decent pair of wireless headphones, on the other hand, will work until the battery dies completely, which takes years.

All headphone cables are repairable , depends how much you are spending in the first place and if it's worth it

 

[gim]

OK, so you appear to be saying that both types should be viewed as equally reliable or unreliable on a longevity (of use) basis? If so, that's just not my own experience... nor have I noticed that in my circle.

And I have to believe the "battery dying", "one bud fails", "one bud is lost" thing happens far more often than the "wired cable breaks". Sure, there's always 10 guys that will step forward who can argue some odd luck that is probably an exception instead of the rule. But again, in my experience, wired just lasts and lasts and lasts. Wireless is temporary because it is NOT going to last. Exceptions- even opposite experiences for some? Sure. But most of the time??? ...for most people???

Yeah, I am definitely saying that. Especially if used on a daily basis, wireless headphones do last longer.
Cables are always exposed to wear and tear.

But thats just my experience. We have 2 years of warranty in Germany, it's mandatory. If the cable of a wired headphone breaks within these 2 years = bad luck, it's caused by normal wear.
If the electronics in wireless headphones die = you will usually get them replaced or repaired, since there is no way that the electronics fail within 2 years due to "natural causes".

No way in a month of Sundays are Sony MDRs less durable, reliable, or repairable than Bluetooth headphones. Not even close.

There are dozens of headphone models from Sony, that are called MDR. In-Ears, On-Ears, Over-Ears, there are even wireless MDRs. So no idea what your point is...

 

[LCPepper]

Hey I have a question someone here could probably answer. I hear that Bluetooth headphones have some lag. Is that a problem with current headphone models? I'm considering getting some BT headphones to use with my Mac, I play guitar into my Mac and I would listen through headphones while playing. But if there is lag, it would mess up my playing. Of course it doesn't matter for just listening to music, but if the guitar sounds I hear are delayed from when I pluck the strings, that would be a dealbreaker.

I have Bluetooth speakers (not headphones) and there is a delay. A good few seconds. With music that's not an issue, but games, videos? It's just unfeasible.

This I imagine would definitely affect your application, it would work in the same was as those speech blockers where it repeats what a person is saying back with a few seconds delay and stops them from being able to actually process speech.

 

[keysofanxiety]

There are dozens of headphone models from Sony, that are called MDR. In-Ears, On-Ears, Over-Ears, there are even wireless MDRs. So no idea what your point is...

I'm pretty sure you knew I was talking about wired ones.

 

[Mad Mac Maniac]

Bluetooth headphone revenue overtook non-Bluetooth for the first time, accounting for 54 percent of headphone dollar sales and 17 percent of unit sales in the United States.

​

So 54% of revenue but only 17% of sales? Yikes. My simple, back-of-the-envelope math would seem to indicate that the avg bluetooth headphone costs over 3 times wired headphones. Of course I would expect nothing less when you can buy headphones at the dollar store for... one dollar.

How does apple fix their decreasing revenue problem? Force people to buy headphones at >3x the cost!​

 

[gim]

All headphone cables are repairable , depends how much you are spending in the first place and if it's worth it

And, theoretically, all batteries and electronics in wireless headphones are somehow repairable/replaceable...

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

Yeah, I am definitely saying that. Especially if used on a daily basis, wireless headphones do last longer.

Congratulations. That's just not an experience I perceive when it comes to the masses... and definitely not my own experience. My parents have a set of old 1970's headphones that can be plugged into a jack and play fine now. I can't hardly believe very many with even 5-year old wireless headphones could fire them up and they work now... if they can even find them. Again, sure, there will be exceptions- apparently you for example- but I just don't believe you are right about this... except maybe in your own use case and maybe select others.

And note: Apple is not making this argument one way or the other. It seems the dominating rumor is that new iPhones are going to ship with (probably) wired earphones, not wireless. So if you are arguing in support of Apple, even they don't seem to be pushing wireless (yet).

 

[roland.g]

First pair of BT headphones I got was a pair of RocketFish MAB-22 a few years ago. Over the ear without full cups. Wraps around back of head.

Early this year I got the LG JBL powered Tone Pro HBS-810. Not bad. I'm not sure how I like the collar style design. But they are nice.

Last month I got the Bragi Dash. Still some software improvements to be made and battery life is not great. But they are truly cordless. And that is the future.

 

[gim]

Congratulations. That's just not an experience I perceive when it comes to the masses... and definitely not my own experience. My parents have a set of old 1970's headphones that can be plugged into a jack and play fine now. I can't hardly believe very many with even 5-year old wireless headphones could fire them up and they work now. Again, sure, there will be exceptions- apparently you for example- but I just don't believe you are right about this... except maybe in your own use case and maybe select others.

And note: Apple is not making this argument one way or the other. It seems the dominating rumor is that new iPhones is going to ship with (probably) wired earphones not wireless. So if you are arguing in support of Apple, even they don't seem to be pushing wireless (yet).

I am not arguing in support of anybody but me.
Maybe I should specify "daily use", because most people that I know use headphones on the go, in (public) transport, while doing sport and so on...so there is always movement involved, and I indeed believe thats also true for "the masses". As soon as you move, the cable will break sooner or later, and most definitely before wireless ones would fail.

But yeah, if you are just using headphone while sitting on the couch or laying in bed, wired headphones could last hundreds of years. That's just not a realistic usage scenario in my opinion.

 

[v0lume4]

I'm just waiting for Audio Technica ATH-M50 sound quality in a Bluetooth package (preferably by Audio Technica). Once we have headphones like that, I'm sold.

 

[Fatboy71]

Just in time.

Has anyone had experience with the new Jaybirds Freedom F5's? I'm in the UK and they aren't available to buy yet but I do want a pair.

I too am wanting to try them. I've read mixed reviews on them too be honest. A lot of people have complained that they are hard to stay in the ear despite trying all the different tips, sizes and also the little wing things that you get with them, compared to the X2. And also a lot complain about the large remote been noticeable when running and even more so if you need to clip the battery clip/pack on.

I've also read a few reports of them failing, after a matter of weeks, whether this is through sweat I'm unsure, but considering that these are advertised as sweat proof they should be able to take it. The Freedom's have been available in the US since May. It's shocking the amount of time it's taking to get these in the UK shops and UK websites.

I'm also considering the Bose Soundsport Wireless, which gets very good reviews. I was planning on ordering both models, try them out and keep the ones that suit me best, but currently the Bose Soundsport Wireless have been withdrawn from sale, as they are releasing an updated version, due to a number of them failing. When Bose took the failed units and look at them in the lab, they found the problem. They are planning on releasing the updated version around the end of August.

 

[ManhattanProject]

But, but, the internetz told me to hate on bluetooth headphones. You are telling me that consumers are slowly changing their perception and embracing wireless headphones?! Nilay and Macforums users told me that removing the 3.5mm headphone would not be acceptable... *existential crisis ensues*. /s

Ha! Adieu to that vestige of a port. Good riddance.
Feels good having your point of view validated with REAL data and not the usual disgusting display of emotions you see on here.

 

[santydolby]

Okay, I was a pure Bose naysayer.

Purchased the QC 15's a few years back, and over the course of those years realized that the audio quality wasn't up to par and the build quality was very lackluster for the premium price. Also was a big naysayer of bluetooth, with inferior audio quality, the need to charge the headphones AND the notorious pairing process. I'm not a marketing spokesperson for them, nor am I an audiophile...

However, I did receive the QC 35's as a present around a month ago and I have been traveling a lot with them recently this summer. And I must honestly say, that they are fantastic. The convenience of being cable free alone is worth it in my books. I only have to charge them 1 - 2 times a week for about 2 hours, and I use them daily for many hours for music, movies, etc. The best part in my opinion is how they've fixed the pairing issue, the companion app remembers the last paired devices, and you can manually switch on which ones to pair to instantly.

Also it simultaneously stays connected to two devices, usually my iPhone and MacBook Pro, and can therefore playback audio on one after the other seamlessly without doing anything. Switching them on also makes it pair instantly without hassle, which made me realize that it's even more convenient than plugging in a wired-pair of headphones from one device to another. Two smaller things to note is that you can rename them to your liking and also set exactly when you want them to go to sleep to save battery, so most aspects have been well thought out. The audio quality is great, the cans are very comfortable and the battery life is great, even though it is very pricey.

The technology will only get better and cheaper within time, with Bluetooth 5.0 being announced and AptX HD on its way to improve range and quality, this is truly the future in my humble opinion.

RIP 3.5mm headphone jack, good riddance.

PS: I was also eyeing the B&O's H7's, in the future perhaps because the battery is interchangeable.

every single word in your post applies to me except that it's Sennheiser PXC 550 in my case. Just got them a while ago, they are out of this world in the first few hours of usage, currently playing Stairway to Heaven (Live at the Kennedy Center Honors). The noise cancellation is *unbelievable* (I have never tested the QC25/35s, but folks who did say the PXC 550 is on par.) In the last few years all the bluetooth-based speakers, and headphones I have used surprisingly have surpassed the wired counterparts. Even on my car -- with all settings being equal -- the same audio track on bluetooth is much more defined, fuller and classier than the wired version (including on Apple CarPlay!)

In my case I'll never miss the 3.5mm jack.

 

[SMIDG3T]

I too am wanting to try them. I've read mixed reviews on them too be honest. A lot of people have complained that they are hard to stay in the ear despite trying all the different tips, sizes and also the little wing things that you get with them, compared to the X2. And also a lot complain about the large remote been noticeable when running and even more so if you need to clip the battery clip/pack on.

I've also read a few reports of them failing, after a matter of weeks, whether this is through sweat I'm unsure, but considering that these are advertised as sweat proof they should be able to take it. The Freedom's have been available in the US since May. It's shocking the amount of time it's taking to get these in the UK shops and UK websites.

I'm also considering the Bose Soundsport Wireless, which gets very good reviews. I was planning on ordering both models, try them out and keep the ones that suit me best, but currently the Bose Soundsport Wireless have been withdrawn from sale, as they are releasing an updated version, due to a number of them failing. When Bose took the failed units and look at them in the lab, they found the problem. They are planning on releasing the updated version around the end of August.

I don't know why it's taking so long either. I've tried to contact them on Twitter but no reply yet.

I found the Bose earphones you were on about and they are still on sale? https://www.bose.co.uk/en_gb/produc...port-wireless.html#v=soundsport_wireless_aqua

Where did guy hear about them being taken off sale? Perhaps these are the updated ones.

 

[Blaze4G]

So many posters here were saying most people now use Bluetooth headphones. Well I think the only thing this article proved is that most people still used wired.

 

[kwikdeth]

most of the brands on that list say a lot of about what people think of their sound quality. they deserve bluetooth audio.

 

[Johnny907]

So, does this include the headphone Apple is essentially giving away as a back to school promotion right now?

 

[SeaFox]

It's almost like Apple knows better than the common troll when to transition to the next tech....must be luck.

Bluetooth headphones have higher failure rate as well. They have circuitry and batteries that aren't present to fail in wired headphones, so people aren't going to have to replace wired headphones as often. The market in more durable goods will saturate faster, so sales figures will drop compared to items that require replacement more often.

 

[Johnny907]

So many posters here were saying most people now use Bluetooth headphones. Well I think the only thing this article proved is that most people still used wired.

Right? The only thing it "proves" is how much more expensive BT headphones are compared to wired.

 

[Porco]

what nonsense. I'm a consumer, and i like wireless headphones and better devices. if apple announces cool features making ditching the 3.5mm jack worth it, I'm all for it. time will tell.

Well let's see. No-one's suggested anything that would make it worth it for the consumer so far IMHO, just features Apple could add regardless of the headphone socket remaining.

If the phone produces pure gold out of base elements or a cure for cancer, and only does so directly as a consequence of the headphone socket being removed, I'll happily call it a pro-consumer move, on balance. But even a cancer-defeating gold-producing iPhone would be better with a headphone socket remaining, because health and wealth are more enjoyable with choice and freedom.

I'm glad you like wireless headphones. Good for you. I do not wish Apple to deny you that choice at all. What if the rumour was Apple are going ditch bluetooth headphones for their own proprietary wireless system? Would that not be anti-consumer either as long as the new phone was faster and thinner or had other new cool features?

The thing is, Apple are capable of cool new iPhone features that don't necessitate the removal of the headphone socket. They've been doing that for almost 10 years. It's a false dichotomy to say you can only have either one or the other.

Removing the headphone socket is anti-consumer because it's one of the most standardised ports/interfaces in tech and the alternatives Apple will propose are alternatives that already exist in today's iPhones, if you wish to choose them (as it sounds like you have, which is fine).

 

[niun]

Well let's see. No-one's suggested anything that would make it worth it for the consumer so far IMHO, just features Apple could add regardless of the headphone socket remaining.

Maybe not the consumer. But Apple would finally be able to ditch those pesky wired headphones from the entire lineup of phones, iPad and Mac devices and ship Beats by the bucket load.

 

[kwikdeth]

I am not arguing in support of anybody but me.
Maybe I should specify "daily use", because most people that I know use headphones on the go, in (public) transport, while doing sport and so on...so there is always movement involved, and I indeed believe thats also true for "the masses". As soon as you move, the cable will break sooner or later, and most definitely before wireless ones would fail.

But yeah, if you are just using headphone while sitting on the couch or laying in bed, wired headphones could last hundreds of years. That's just not a realistic usage scenario in my opinion.

the only wired headphones ive owned which have had a cable fail... are Apple headphones. lots of them. oh and some $15 sonys i recall buying in like 2005. I should post a picture of my sony V700s.... pretty much everything on them is taped together, all the type has been worn off from use. been to hundreds of gigs. know what? its still using its original cable....

this is ultimately about Apple creating new revenue streams under the guise of doing something pro-consumer. what happens in a couple years when Apple decides to increase the MFI licensing fee? or change the connector again?

 

[niun]

the only wired headphones ive owned which have had a cable fail... are Apple headphones. lots of them. oh and some $15 sonys i recall buying in like 2005. I should post a picture of my sony V700s.... pretty much everything on them is taped together, all the type has been worn off from use. been to hundreds of gigs. know what? its still using its original cable....

Same for both pairs of my Beyerdynamic's. Best damn headphones I ever bought. 5+ years and still going strong.

 

[ArcaneDevice]

Even if we are talking about value products, the electronics inside wireless headphones do not fail as easily as a cable breaks.

Statistics please.

If you are just going by personal experience and anecdotal evidence then I have headphones from over 20 years ago that are still in perfect working order and have been thrown around, stuffed in bags and unplugged and plugged in more times than I know. The drawer full of multiple other earbuds I have collected over the decades have never failed either.

Contrast that with the 5 or 6 pairs of BT earbuds I have tried over the past few years. I started using them years ago for workouts and like any device with additional electronics and circuitry they are far more prone to failure than something without. Over time using BT headphones I've encountered random range disconnects, background noise over the connection, pairing issues, charge port failure, random earpiece failure and sweat destroying batteries.

Wired cable failure (and even that isn't an issue with detachable cables) and possibly a loose wire to a driver doesn't stack up against the failure potential of BT headphones in any way. And that doesn't even take into account the fact that wired headphones never need charging and will not die on you as a matter of course if you come back from a run and are too tired to remember to charge them before the next day.

 

[jujufreeze]

It's almost like Apple knows better than the common troll when to transition to the next tech....must be luck.

Oh yes, good skull candy Bluetooth sales prove this tech ready to replace my sennheisers