Apple to release Beats Studio Pro over-ear headphones with custom chip and ANC

In March, it was reported that Apple would soon expand its Beats lineup with the Beats Studio Buds+. Now, it appears that the tech giant is also preparing to launch the Beats Studio Pro wireless headphones equipped with some exciting features like Transparency Mode and Spatial Audio.

Apple partners with Samuel Ross for the new Beats Studio Pro

The existence of the Beats Studio Pro was confirmed through images discovered in the internal files of the iOS 16.5 RC released for developers. Based on codenames, the new headphones are speculated to be developed in collaboration with renowned artist Samuel Ross of A-Cold-Wall.

The Beats Studio Pro will reportedly feature improved active noise cancellation (ANC) and introduce Transparency Mode which allows users to remain aware of their surroundings while listening to music or podcasts. Additionally, the new headphones are also rumored to feature Personalized Spatial Audio to provide an immersive listening experience and a USB-C port for charging. As for the internals, it is expected to be powered by a custom Beats chip.

In terms of design, the Beats Studio Pro would closely resemble the current Beats Studio 3. However, one noticeable change would be the absence of the “Studio” branding on the headband, as seen in the shared images by 9to5Mac. The headphones will be available in four color options: black, white, dark blue, and brown.

The involvement of Samuel Ross in the development of the Beats Studio Pro is particularly intriguing. The artist has previously collaborated with Beats, and based on the codenames associated with the project, it is likely that he is partnering with Apple once again to bring a unique touch to these headphones.

It remains uncertain whether the Beats Studio Pro will replace Studio3 or coexist as a more premium alternative. The Studio3 Wireless headphones are currently priced at $349, so it will be interesting to see how Apple positions the Beats Studio Pro in terms of pricing.

Alongside the over-ear headphones, Apple is also working on the Beats Studio Buds+. These wireless earbuds are anticipated to offer audio sharing, automatic device switching, and support for “Hey Siri,” akin to AirPods and other Beats earbuds. Notably, the Beats Studio Buds+ will feature a custom Beats chip instead of Apple’s H1 or H2 chip.

Although an exact release date has not been disclosed, both the Beats Studio Pro and Beats Studio Buds+ are expected to hit stores in the near future.