Swappable parts reportedly a feature of Apple’s new over-ear headphones

While Apple may have a huge piece of the market in terms of phones, tablets and computers one field they penetrated was over-ear headphones. Sure, they made the first ever AirPods and have had some success in the earbud market, but they’re not the company that jumps to mind when evaluating headphones. Rumours have been swirling since 2018 that Apple was looking at changing that and it seems more likely than ever that those rumours are true.

Sources have told Bloomberg that Apple is working on modular over-ear headphones, meaning you’ll be able to swap out different parts. These parts include the ear-pads and headband padding, allowing users to customise their headphones… to some extent.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Apple if they didn’t have a plan to properly monetise these customisable features. The report also alleges that these headphones will come in two variations: A premium version with leather padding and a slimmer, lightweight fitness option. The ability to swap parts out is surely a way to incentivise purchasing both options and then having users switch out the parts for whatever form they need in the moment.

Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has speculated that Apple’s new headphones will launch in the first half of 2020 but time is running out and we’ve yet to receive word on them outside of this leak. Look, there’s a chance we’ll see some Apple cans on shelves at some point but, considering the whole pandemic thing, maybe don’t hold your breath.