Apple to Launch High-End Headphones—Sources

Apple Inc is reportedly planning to venture into the higher end of the headphone market, after its AirPods have become a surprise hit.

Apple's AirPods have been a surprise success.

The tech giant is working on noise-cancelling, over-ear headphone that would potentially rival headsets from other market leaders like Bose and even Beats by Dre, a brand from its own yard, according to people with direct knowledge of the matter.

The people also claimed that the company aims to launch the product as early as the end of this year.

During the past year, progress on the Apple headset has been interrupted. The Cupertino, California-based technology titan has encountered problems similar to those seen with the HomePod during its development. These problems include multiple redesigns.

The sources asked not to be named because of the private nature of their disclosure.

The sources added that in addition to noise-cancelling capabilities, the company plans to include similar wireless pairing functionality to the AirPods.

This would be the latest in the long line of music-centered products and services from the tech company. The company’s largest ever takeover was the $3 billion acquisition of Beats in 2014. That deal put Apple into high-end headphones and music streaming.

The HomePod’s quality scooped up stellar reviews this year and Apple is on its way to develop other audio accessories, such as upgrades to AirPods like water-resistance and a new wireless chip that would enable “Hey Siri” voice activation.

Apple previously ditched the Beats Music streaming name after it launched Apple Music in 2015. However, due to the strength that the Beats headphone brand sports, the company will likely keep it as it develops a new name for new headphones.

Beats, Bose, Sennheiser, Sony, and Skullcandy are the leaders in the headphone market, which is set to generate $20 billion in annual revenue by 2023, according to Research and Markets.

Last year, researcher NPD Group said that sales of AirPods and Beats headphones gave Apple 27 percent of the wireless headphone market.

Apple to Launch Cheaper MacBook Air This Year

MacBook Air is expected to have a revamped version this year, according to analyst.

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who is infamous for his accurate insights into Apple’s future products, said that Apple could launch a cheaper MacBook Air this year. Kuo said that a new 13-inch version of the company’s thin laptop could be released in the second quarter of 2018.

“We expect Apple to roll out the new MacBook Air with a lower price tag in 2018. We forecast total shipments of MacBook models will grow 10-15 percent year-on-year in 2018 (versus 0-5 percent year-on-year decline for the Notebook industry), up from 15.5-16 million units in 2017,” Kuo reportedly said in a note.

Kuo did not give any further details regarding the product.

The current MacBook Air is a 13-inch model that starts at $999. Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) typically takes place around June. There are indications that the new MacBook Air model would be launched in that event.

Kuo’s note reflected a report from DigiTimes in January. The report also suggested an entry-level MacBook would be available this year. Kuo also stated that he expects Apple to launch new AirPods in the second half of 2018, plus three new iPhones over the year.

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