[ad_1]
AirPods are so popular that Apple cannot be blamed for not making radical changes to the range. But that’s about to change, because Apple itself accidentally leaked a very different new AirPods model.
Render of Apple AirPods Studio concept
Apple made this mistake in the latest beta version of iOS 14.3. Discovered by 9to5Mac, Apple has added a new icon to the version’s internal system files that shows an illustration of the first AirPods on-ear headphones. And the design has caught (almost) everyone.
Following leaks of an extremely minimal design earlier this year from popular Apple insider Jon Prosser, Apple’s new AirPods icon shows a much more conservative design. Prosser has expressed surprise at the discovery, noting that Apple has used different placeholders in the past, though with the earbuds arriving in early 2021, the design will now be finalized and the time for placeholders should have passed.
Apple AirPods Studio Icon Found in New iOS 14.3 Beta
However, the reason I say “almost” everyone is because Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman seems to have nailed it. In April, he said the AirPods Studio would have “a retro look with oval-shaped earmuffs that rotate and a headband connected by thin metal arms” that ties together. Gurman too commented on the 9to5Mac discovery noting that this was “one of my best description jobs”.
Assuming Gurman is right, Apple’s AirPods Studio will be a huge change for the company. Gurman has stated that they will come in two versions (“similar to premium leather” and “focused on fitness”) with wireless pairing and noise cancellation and a modular design that uses magnetic ear pads for easy replacement and customization. They will also be the most expensive AirPods ever made, starting at around $ 350.
Yes, that’s a lot, but I hope AirPods Studio contains a lot of clever tricks to help them live up to this starting price. For example, given Apple’s newfound love for magnets, it wouldn’t be surprising if the AirPods Studios are MagSafe-compatible and that’s way cooler than any other headphone load we’ve seen before.
___
Follow Gordon on Facebook
More about Forbes
Apple reveals price and performance issues with iPhone 12 series
Apple iOS 14 Has 25 Great Secret Features
[ad_2]
