Apple’s AirPods range includes the sumptuous over-ears, AirPods Max. But there’s no sign yet of a second-generation model. However, Apple’s other headphone brand, Beats, may be on the brink of releasing its first over-ear headphones in more than five years.
According to 9to5Mac, Beats Studio Pro headphones are on the horizon. Here’s what we think we know.
Big Audio Improvements
According to a source which the publication has been reliable in the past, the next Beats Studio Pro will have custom 40mm drivers which will eliminate distortion even when the volume is turned up high.
But it’s the Beats spec sheet for the headphones, which 9to5Mac claims to have got hold of, which says there will be an 80% increase in audio fidelity compared to Beats Studio3.
This will also mean it “optimizes the final frequency response for a powerful, yet balanced sound profile crafted to bring out the subtle details of whatever you’re listening to,” it’s claimed.
Packed With Features
Well, it’s no surprise to find that active noise-cancelling is on board—it would have been surprising if it hadn’t—but we’re also promised Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos and Transparency mode, which are key Apple features. Spatial Audio will also include dynamic head tracking and support for Personalized Spatial Audio. This is one of Apple’s latest features and can make a palpable difference to what your ears hear, customizing it according to photos you take of your ears with an iPhone. It means you can create a custom audio profile.
Better Battery Life
This is cool: compared to AirPods Max, the new Beats could have longer battery life, up to 24 hours with ANC or Transparency mode turned on, where the AirPods Max have 20 hours. Beats is apparently also saying that with ANC off, this could go up to 40 hours between charges.
Release Date And Price
According to 9to5Mac, the new headphones will cost $349. This makes sense as it matches the price of the Beats Studio3, though personally I wouldn’t be surprised if the sticker price creeps up a little for including the word Pro in the title. We’ll see.
And the word is that they’ll be released on July 19, 2023, so less than a month away. This nugget came from Myke Hurley on Relay FM’s Connected podcast. Even if it’s not the exact date, it suggests that the Beats Studio Pro are almost here.
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