Bloomberg: High-End Over-Ear Wireless Headphones to be Unveiled Later This Year – To Include Magnetically Swappable Parts

Apple’s much-rumored over-ear wireless headphones should debut later this year says a report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, which offers more details on what to expect from the headphones.

The report says Apple is working on at least two versions of the new headphones, which will include a “fitness-focused model that uses lighter, breathable materials with small perforations,” as well as a “premium version with leather-like fabrics.”

Prototypes of the headphones have a retro look with oval-shaped ear cups that swivel and a headband connected by thin, metal arms. The arms stem from the top of the ear cups rather than the sides, the people added. They asked not to be identified discussing products that haven’t been announced.

Gurman’s sources tell him that the over-ear headphones will feature ear pads and headband padding that attach to the frame magnetically, allowing a user to swap the parts in and out to allow for easy customization and replacement. The design could allow for users to switch between listening comfort and fitness modes.

The new headphones are expected to use some of the features found in the AirPods Pro, such as noise cancellation, wireless-pairing, Siri voice control, and a limited set of touch controls.

Rumors about the new Apple headphones have been floating for a few years now. While the new headphones have repeatedly missed predicted debut dates, icons were found for the headphones in a leaked iOS 14 beta last month.

Gurman’s sources indicate Apple will unveil the headphones later this year, and Twitter leaker John Prosser has claimed earlier this month that Apple is targeting a June WWDC debut, with pricing set at around $350

Apple is said to be targeting the high-end part of the audio market, which could help explain the delays, as the Cupertino firm works to ensure everything with the headphones is just right.

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