Apple intros totally wireless AirPods and 3 new Beats wireless headphones that use new W1 chip
The new headphones work with Apple's proprietary W1 chip, which enables an apparently new wireless audio-streaming technology.
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As part of its iPhone 7 and 7 Plus launch, Apple's cut the cord on four new headphone models: its new AirPods ($159/£159/AU$229), which are totally wireless earbuds, plus three new Beats headphones, called the Powerbeats3 ($200/£170/AU$260), Solo3 Wireless ($300/£250/AU$400) and all-new BeatsX ($150/£130/AU$200).
They all work with Apple's new proprietary W1 chip, being described as a custom chip that uses ultra-low-power Bluetooth and keeps the two earbuds in sync. CNET reporter Shara Tibken spoke to Apple reps who confirmed the headphones will work with other Bluetooth devices, not just the new iPhones.
The Apple AirPods deliver 5 hours of battery life and include a charging case that gives you an extra 19 hours of charge time (24 hours total). They ship in late October.
The Beats Solo3 Wireless are available now in six colors. The ship dates for the Powerbeats3 Wireless and BeatsX haven't been announced yet.
We'll update this post as we get more info and pricing. See all the news from Apple's event here.
New Beats headphones: BeatsX ($150), Solo3 Wireless ($300), Powerbeats3 Wireless ($200).