Apple is reportedly working on a new set of premium headphones that will allow the user to alter the design to better match the situation. Apple is understood to be keen to expand on its audio solutions following the success of the AirPods line, and the company is likely to launch a product that will directly take on Bose and Sony's popular headphones.
When it comes to Apple, many will naturally and immediately think of the iPhone. However, the company has been expanding beyond smartphones in recent years, and one area it has found to be particularly lucrative is the wearables market. Whether it is the Apple Watch or AirPods, the company has seen impressive growth in this sector and as a result, it is unlikely to surprise many that the company is now looking to expand further into the premium headphone market.
According to a new report by Bloomberg, Apple is working on at least two sets of premium headphones with one packaged as premium and the other as sports-focused headphones. Regardless of which is purchased, and in addition to expected features like Siri support and noise-cancellation, one of the main selling points is likely to be the modular design that allows the ear pads (and the headband padding) to be swapped and replaced. The suggestion is that Apple is looking to offer consumers the option to buy one pair of headphones and then alter them to better suit the situation. For example, changing them from home use to gym use by swapping out the parts. The report goes on to suggest Apple might launch the new headphones later this year, but caveats this point by explaining the headphones have already been delayed twice and could be again, especially in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
Apple Has Bose & Sony In Its Sights
While it can be assured that Apple will see some success with a premium set of over-ear headphones, the company faces some stiff competition in this sector. The report suggests Apple’s new modular headphones will look to compete on features and price with solutions from Bose and Sony. It is highly likely this is in reference to the QuietComfort 35 wireless headphones II and the WH-1000XM3 headphones, respectively. Both of these are extremely popular headphones and are largely considered the best when it comes to noise-cancellation for the price.
Taking on these established and go-to products will be a difficult task for any brand, However, Apple is not just any brand, and has already proven its consistent ability to appeal to buyers beyond the smartphone. The Apple Watch is easily the most popular smartwatch on the market, and AirPods have continually helped the company to revenue increases each quarter. The wearables sector of the business has become so integral to Apple, that it is likely any further investment the company makes is going to be serious, and with the expectation of equally serious returns.
With this in mind, Apple appears to be in a good position to launch a product like this, and almost immediately capitalize on sales. As long as the the sound quality is there, and the modular aspect of the headphones is more than just a gimmick, Apple could very well prove to be as disruptive in the sub-$500 headphone market, as it already has with smartwatches and earbuds.
Source: Bloomberg