The Beats will have better ANC and a clearer transparency mode. You’ll likely be able to buy them sooner rather than later.
In the latest iOS 16.4 beta released today, 9to5Mac revealed details about the new Beats Studio Buds Plus earbuds and images showing the black and gold finish. Beats is preparing to release an upgraded version of its wireless Studio Buds. The original Beats Studio Buds were released in 2021, and this design is largely unchanged.
According to people familiar with the company’s plans, the upcoming earbuds will include enhanced active noise cancellation and a transparent mode. The Studio Buds Plus will not contain Apple’s audio chip, like the H1. Nor will they feature automatic device switching between Apple devices. Just like the first model.
A more costly pair of Beats Fit Pro earbuds — or AirPods — is still a better option if you’re looking for Apple ecosystem features. It’s intended that the Studio Buds are somewhat platform agnostic. So they can be used with both iOS and Android devices. In addition, they offer a few Apple bonuses like hands-free “Hey Siri” voice commands. Which I expect the Plus buds to keep. Some people find them more comfortable than the company’s other buds.
It is unknown when the Beats Studio Buds Plus will be available for purchase. Since the product details are already present in iOS 16.4. It is likely that they will arrive within the next few months. The main question is whether (and by how much). The “Plus” designation and better ANC / transparency will drive up the $149.99 price.
The Verge reached out to Beats, but he declined to comment.
