Apple has stopped selling third-party headphones and speakers, such as those from Bose, Sonos, and Logitech, which were previously available in-store and online, ahead of the release of the rumored new “AirPods Studio” over-ear headphones and smaller “HomePod mini,” reports Bloomberg.
Rumors have long pointed to Apple working on a more affordable version of its Siri smart speaker, suggesting the device will compete with the Amazon Echo and Google Home. Apple’s over-ear headphones on the other hand are said to be priced at $349 and be a direct competitor to high-end noise-canceling over-ear headphones from the likes of Sony, with insiders claiming they may have interchangeable components, similar to the various bands available for the Apple Watch.
According to the report, Apple has instructed employees to remove rival headphones and speakers from store shelves, prompting shares of Sonos to fall as much as 7%.
All headphones and speakers from Bose, speakers from Logitech’s Ultimate Ears brand and Sonos’s latest smart speaker disappeared from Apple’s online store at the end of last month, according to checks by Bloomberg. Employees at Apple’s physical retail locations were also instructed to remove the products for sale at stores in recent days. Shares of Sonos fell as much as 7% in extended trading following the news.
Leaker Jon Prosser has suggested mass production of Apple’s new headphones will end later this month, saying an announcement is “imminent,” most likely at Apple’s rumored October 13th event, set to see the launch of the iPhone 12.
Last month leaked images offered our first glimpse at the “Sport” variation of Apple’s upcoming over-ear headphones, showing the alleged design and packaging for the accessories.