Currently referred to as Beats Studio Buds, Apple appears to be working on a new set of true wireless earbuds. While the iPhone-maker already enjoys a high level of adoption with its AirPods line of products, Apple also owns the Beats brand. Now, and in addition to the rumors that Apple will release a more compact version of AirPods, it seems like the Beats earbuds are getting similar treatment.
Apple has increasingly invested in audio solutions and products in recent years. The company now not only offers the standard AirPods, and AirPods Pro, but also the AirPods Max over-ear headphones. At the same time, Apple provides multiple audio products via its Beats brand. This not only includes the on-ear headphones typically associated with Beats, but also fitness-focused earbuds solutions through its Powerbeats and Powerbeats Pro. Not to mention, Apple has also moved forward with home-based audio solutions as well, such as with its HomePod Mini, while also investing even more in audio services with improvements to Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, and more.
Apple has yet to confirm the existence of the Beats Studio Buds, but references to them have now been found in the latest beta version of iOS 14.6. Spotted by both MacRumors and 9to5 Mac, the files confirm the company is working on new Beats earbuds, and the leaks even provide enough details to draw conclusions on the design. Most notably, the new Beats Studio Buds are true wireless earbuds with a similar design to the buds released by other major tech brands, including Samsung, Google and even Apple. For example, while Beats already sells wireless earbuds, these neither sport a cable connecting the two sides, or even a hook that attaches around the ear. The leaks also do indicate that, similar to Apple's other product lines, the new Beats Studio Buds will be available to buy in a variety of colors, and come with a color-matching charging/carry case. Lastly, the leaks suggest Beats Studio Buds will act similar to AirPods Pro, with the inclusion of noise canceling, Siri support, instant pairing, and more.
What The Latest Beats Leaks Don’t Reveal
While it does seem like Apple is preparing a new set of earbuds outside of the AirPods brand, there are still some lingering questions that remain. The most important one is the price. Neither report provides any information on how much the Beats Studio Buds will cost and that looks likely to be an important factor. The brand’s current two earbuds products are priced at $150 and $170 respectively, with the totally wireless Powerbeats Pro the more expensive. If that pattern was to continue then it seems likely that the Beats Studio Buds could be even more expensive. Similar to the price, the latest leaks also do not provide any information on when Apple is likely to actually announce or release the new Beats Studio Buds. Although, with the references having been spotted within an iOS 14 beta, the suggestion is they could launch sooner rather than later.
Another aspect the leaks don’t reveal is exactly what Apple’s game plan is in relation to AirPods. Besides the branding, the in-ear design of AirPods has remained a major difference between the AirPods and Beats earbuds lines and that gap now appears to be closing. There had already been rumors that Apple might release a new generation of AirPods that could reduce the stem, possibly eliminating it altogether. If that is the case, then Apple may be preparing to release a similar in-ear design for both AirPods and Beats, and if priced similarly, they could even end up competing with each other.
Source: MacRumors, 9to5 Mac, Steve Moser/Twitter