Apple is developing a new set of wireless Bluetooth earbuds, according to 9to5Mac’s Mark Gurman, an often-accurate Apple watcher.
The headphones are said to be entirely wireless, which means they won’t include a cable connecting the two earbuds. Gurman reports the headphones may launch alongside Apple’s next iPhone this fall.
This comes after multiple news outlets, including Fast Company, have reported that Apple’s next iPhone won’t have a traditional headphone jack. Instead, users would have to plug headphones in through the iPhone’s Lightning connector instead.
Gurman says the new wireless earbuds wouldn’t replace the headphones Apple has been shipping with its iPhone since 2012, but they would be offered as a premium alternative.
iPhone owners would also be able to communicate with Siri and answer phone calls through the headset via a noise-canceling microphone. Gurman also writes that the buds would come in a special case that would recharge them while not in use. Other wireless earbuds, like those made by Earin, come with charging cases as well.
11 Amazing Features of the Apple Watch
The Apple Watch is the company's' first entirely new product category since the original iPad. It's a huge gamble for Apple and a test of the still-nascent wearable market.Stephen Lam—Reuters/CorbisThe Watch is the most customizable and varied product Apple has likely ever launched. It'll come in three editions made of different metals and be available with multiple snap-in wrist bands. Prices start at $349.Justin Sullivan—Getty ImagesThe Watch has a touch interface that can sense the difference between a light touch and hard press. But it also has a "digital crown" that allows users to quickly scroll through lists without obscuring the screen.Justin Sullivan—Getty ImagesThe Watch must be paired with an iPhone for many of its functions. The device piggybacks on the phone's data and GPS connections to pipe in directions or incoming voice calls and text messages, for instance.Stephen Lam—ReutersThe Watch, like Apple's other iDevices, will have various independent apps. Examples include a Tesla app that shows the status of your electric car when it's charging and a Starwood app that lets the Watch act as your room key.Stephen Lam—ReutersApple's fitness app, one of the device's main selling points, tracks runs, walks and bike rides.Stephen Lam—ReutersThe Watch also can track your heart rate (while resting, while active) throughout the day thanks to these light sensors on the back.Koichi Mitsui—AFLO/CorbisIt also has Apple Pay, the company's digital payments platform. Swipe the Watch in front of a compatible kiosk and it will make an automatic online payment.Justin Sullivan—Getty ImagesCEO Tim Cook has said the Watch will last about a day before it needs to be recharged. So far, battery life has been the biggest downside of most wearables. The Watch recharges through the magnetic system shown here.Justin Sullivan—Getty ImagesThe Watch will come with many customizable bands that slip on and click in place at the top and bottom of the device's body.Justin Sullivan—Getty ImagesIt also comes in two sizes, 38mm and 42mm, to fit on different size wrists.Monica Davey—EPAHigher-end models of the watch could cost several thousands of dollars.Stephen Lam—ReutersApple is significantly expanding it's product reach.Justin Sullivan—Getty ImagesAnd there's one more thing...David Paul Morris—Bloomberg/Getty ImagesIt tells the time.Marcio Jose Sanchez—AP
The earbuds would mark one of the first wholly new audio accessories following Apple’s $3 billion acquisition of headphone maker Beats in 2014. Still, building wireless earbuds is no easy task. Other companies already sell similar devices, but many of them have received mediocre reviews, with complaints focusing on sound quality and connectivity issues.
Apple typically reveals its newest iPhones in September.
