After Apple acquired headphone maker Beats in 2014, the company released only one pair of headphones. But recent information shows that Apple is not giving up. A new pair of Beats headphones could soon see the light of day.
Beats is revamping its popular Solo line of over-ear headphones, and the upcoming Beats Solo 4 could include new features and a new design.
9to5Mac found images of the Beats Solo 4 in an iOS 17.4 beta. The Solo 4 will feature a USB-C port instead of a Micro-USB port. Hopefully, this USB-C port will allow for listening, charging, and lossless audio simultaneously, features that Apple’s AirPods Max don’t have.
Dolby Atmos spatial sound
The Solo 4 will also introduce Dolby Atmos spatial audio, and certainly an improvement in audio and call quality. I don’t expect the new Beats headphones to feature Apple’s latest H2 audio chip, however, as the Studio Pro model has a custom Beats audio chip.
Additionally, Apple is expected to release AirPods Max 2, and integrating an audio chip with Apple’s latest technology into Beats headphones could hurt AirPods Max 2 sales.
However, Apple has made it clear that the Beats brand is aimed at both Apple and Android users, so a new custom Beats chip could bring more features to fit both device ecosystems .
Beats hasn’t refreshed the Solo headphones since 2016
According to 9to5Mac, the Solo 4s have a similar design and build to last year’s Studio Pro. The new design could result in larger earcups, more discreet matte finishes, and less Beats branding on the headband and hinges. The Solo 4 will be available in black, blue and pink.
Beats hasn’t refreshed the Solo headphones since 2016, but they’ve remained a popular pair of headphones. A lot has changed in the consumer headphone segment since then, and hopefully the new headphones will live up to consumers’ expectations.
No official release date or sale price is currently available, but you can find the Solo 3 and Studio Pro at discounted prices right now.
Source: “ZDNet.com”