Rumor: Apple headphones have interchangeable parts

The headphones that Apple is developing and planning to release under its own name would have a design that allows users to replace the ear cups and headband padding, as is now possible with bands for the Apple Watch.

The intention is that users can use the headphones for various purposes and adjust them to their own taste, reports Bloomberg. The ear cups and the soft padding of the headband are magnetically attached to the frame, allowing users to purchase additional parts for them to swap them out.

The headphones have active noise cancellation like the AirPods Pro released last year and the over-ear model should pair with Apple devices in the same way as the earphones already do. Apple wants to release the headphones this year, but that could also be delayed due to the coronavirus outbreak, Bloomberg says. According to the financial news agency, the headphones are part of the audio strategy, which also includes the AirPods and HomePod. Apple is also said to be working on a smaller, cheaper HomePod.

The manufacturer has been making headphones under the Beats brand name for years. Apple acquired Beats six years ago. No headphones have yet been released under their own name, but those rumors have been going on for some time. Icons for the headphones also reportedly appeared in iOS 14 firmware.