Fresh leaks apparently revealed practically everything there is to know about Beats 360 headphones. The as-yet-unannounced headphones feature a fresh new look, with rounder ear cups than previous Beats models and a customization option that sounds both colorful and cool.
The noise-canceling headphones — which Apple looks set to pitch as great for workouts, thanks to sweat- and water-resistance — appeared briefly on various online retailers’ sites Wednesday. Multiple Reddit users spotted them before they disappeared.
Beats 360 headphones leak: New design with swappable ear cushions
While Apple’s pricey AirPods Max headphones sit at the top of the company’s audio empire, various Beats models offer a more affordable entry point. For instance, reviewers praised Beats Studio Pro headphones as nearly “almost AirPods Max Lite.”
Now, Beats looks ready to take another swing at the increasingly crowded premium headphone market with a pair of noise-canceling cans designed as much for the gym as the airplane.
One of Beats 360’s key features is knit ear and head cushions that resemble the mesh bits on AirPods Pro Max headphones. Wearers can swap them out after a sweaty workout or simply for style.
“Beats 360 have interchangeable cushion options for both ear cups and headband, so you can have a fresh set ready after your workout or a new colour just to switch up your look,” said an Amazon UK listing screenshotted by several Reddit users. “These over-ear noise-cancelling headphones are built for active lifestyles and all-day comfort.”
Beats marketing targets a youthful, sports-oriented market, with undisclosed headphone and earbud models often appearing on the shoulders or in the ears of star athletes prior to launch.
Headphones that look similar to the images leaked by the shopping sites Wednesday popped up on soccer player Lamine Yamal’s Instagram feed during the World Cup.
However, the screenshots captured by Reddit users Wednesday lack the swiveling metal stem shown in Yamal’s photos. That stem looks a lot like what you see on AirPods Max, and would enable the ear cups to fold flat for transportation — a feature mentioned in the pulled listings.
The headphones reportedly will come in pink, black, sky blue and cloud (with other color options possible).
Improved audio and call quality, according to Beats 360 leak
While audiophiles panned early Beats headphones for their bass-heavy sound signature, recent models earned better reviews. Now it sounds like Beats plans to improve the audio quality even more.
“The bespoke, high-fidelity acoustic platform delivers powerful bass and pinpoint precision across the tonal range with ultra-low distortion for the ultimate listening experience,” according to a vanished Beats 360 listing. “Personalised spatial audio with dynamic head tracking delivers immersive surround sound.”
The pulled listing touted ear cushions “built from acoustically engineered memory foam and shaped to fit comfortably over your ears, forming an optimal seal for incredible sound.” It said Beats 360 deliver “up to 1.75x more noise cancellation than Beats Studio Pro.”
The listing also promised “exceptional call quality powered by an advanced Al-trained algorithm and beam-forming mic system that filters out background noise.”
Multiple buttons and a fold-flat design for travel
The headphones feature an array of controls to manage advanced features.
“Easy-to-use controls are positioned on the back of each ear cup, including a volume rocker, a multifunction button to control music and calls, a power button and a listening mode button,” according to the listing.
With an IPX4 rating, a fold-flat design, an included woven ripstop fabric carrying case and all-day battery life (even with ANC on), the Beats 360 headphones sound ready for any adventure, from workouts to international travel.
Like other Beats headphones, they will be compatible with Apple and Android devices, with one-touch pairing.
Will Beats 360 come with Apple’s H2 chip inside?
It remains unclear if the Beats 360 headphones will come with Apple’s H2 chip, a custom processor that enables advanced features in the latest AirPods models as well as the Apple Vision Pro headset.
The lack of a mention of the H2 chip in the Beats 360 leaks caused several Reddit users to say they wouldn’t buy the headphones if they didn’t come with the custom silicon.
“Without H2 is a big no for me,” wrote Reddit user HappyMcPe on Wednesday after the leaks. “The only reason beats was on my mind for gym headphones was the chip and the build quality, in this case I’d rather go with some XM6 and call it a day.”
Since the headphones appeared on several shopping sites, it seems likely that they could launch in the very near future. A filing with the Federal Communications Commission revealed what appear to be new Apple headphones in May.