Apple who are looking for new revenue streams as iPhone sales slow has launched a pair of premium AirPods Pro wireless headphones.
Tipped by ChannelNews yesterday the new design devices have built-in noise-cancellation and are water-resistance they are set to be priced at $399 in Australia vs the US at $249
The package includes a wireless-charging case so it can be charged on standard charging pads.
The wireless charging case is an extra cost on the lower-end AirPods.
The launch is the first time that Apple is segmenting its AirPods line in a significant way claims Bloomberg a move that presents retailers with new revenue opportunities.
The new model includes interchangeable flexible tips to improve their fit.
That addresses a criticism of the original design, which first debuted in 2016, and also helps enable the noise cancellation feature for improved audio quality.
The Pro model has a feature called Adaptive EQ, which automatically tunes songs for better sound and has an updated touch-sensitive stem that allows users to switch between noise-cancellation mode and transparency mode, to be able to hear around you.
The AirPods have quickly become one of Apple’s most popular products and have helped build up a wearable devices portfolio that also includes the Apple Watch and Beats headphones. The new headphones come at a critical time. Until this launch, Apple has not made meaningful functionality changes to the AirPods. Meanwhile, new players have entered the wireless earbuds space, including Amazon and Fitbit who are up for sale.
Apple’s Wearables, Home, and Accessories financial segment grew 48% to more than $5.5 billion last quarter. According to a report from Counterpoint Research earlier this year, AirPods held 60% of the market for in-ear wireless headphones, putting them far ahead of rivals.
Apple on Monday also released iOS 13.2, which adds compatibility for the new AirPods with the iPhone. The software update also allows users to delete their Siri history, disable Siri recordings, adds new Emojis, and makes improvements to picture-taking.
• AirPods Pro will be available for RRP A$399 inc. GST and are available to order from apple.com/au and in the Apple Store app in the US and more than 25 other countries and regions. AirPods Pro will start shipping on Wednesday, 30 October and be available in stores beginning later this week (varies by country and region).
• AirPods Pro require Apple devices running iOS 13.2 or later, iPadOS 13.2 or later, watchOS 6.1 or later, tvOS 13.2 or later, or macOS Catalina 10.15.1 or later.
• AirPods with Charging Case are available for RRP A$249 inc. GST and AirPods with Wireless Charging Case are available for RRP A$319 inc. GST Customers can order the standalone Wireless Charging Case for RRP A$129 inc. GST.
• Customers can add personal engraving to AirPods Pro, AirPods with Charging Case and AirPods with Wireless Charging Case for free on apple.com/au and the Apple Store app.
