Apple has already released the first firmware update for the Beats 360, even though the over-ear headphones don’t officially exist yet. This is considered the clearest sign that the unveiling is just around the corner. Combined with color leaks, retail pricing details, and photos of prototypes, we now have an almost complete picture of the upcoming model.
The most important details at a glance
- Firmware version 4A203 was released for the Beats 360 on September 8, 2026, even though the product hasn’t been announced yet.
- Expected price: $299.99; in Europe, likely around 300 euros.
- Four colors have surfaced so far: Black, Cloud, Sky, and Pink.
- ANC, IPX4 water resistance, replaceable ear cushions, and hands-free Siri are expected to be included.
- A launch is expected in the coming weeks, likely separate from the iPhone event.
What the Beats 360 Are Expected to Offer
Based on current information, the Beats 360 are over-ear headphones with active noise cancellation (ANC) that are expected to be priced between the Beats Studio Pro and the AirPods Max. Beats is promoting the noise cancellation as up to 1.75 times more effective than on the 2023 Studio Pro. However, this figure still needs to be confirmed in real-world testing. It’s also notable that the leaks so far provide no indication of Apple’s H2 chip, which many prospective buyers had been hoping for. Without the H2 chip, there’s likely room for improvement in features such as adaptive audio or particularly efficient battery usage. The Bluetooth codec used—which also plays a role in actual sound quality—is not yet known.
The design appears to be modeled after the AirPods Max: a slim, telescoping headband, interchangeable ear cushions in Performance Knit and UltraPlush variants, and an included ripstop fabric carrying case. According to the leaks, a charging cable or power adapter is not included. With an IPX4 rating, the Beats 360 would also be Apple’s first sweat- and water-resistant over-ear headphones, which could make them an even more appealing option for sports and daily commuting. Those who prefer Beats’ over-ear sports headphones are already familiar with the rugged design from the Powerbeats.
Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Expected Features |
|---|---|
| Design | Over-ear, foldable, telescoping headband |
| Noise cancellation | ANC; according to Beats, up to 1.75 times more effective than the Studio Pro |
| Protection rating | IPX4 (sweat- and water-resistant) |
| Voice assistant | Hands-free Siri (“Hey Siri” or “Siri”) |
| Ear cushions | Replaceable, Performance Knit & UltraPlush, additional colors: Volt and Navy |
| Colors | Black, Cloud, Sky, Pink |
| What’s Included | Ripstop fabric carrying case, no charging cable or adapter |
| Price (Leak) | $299.99, EU price likely around 300 euros |
Price and Colors: What Retailers Have Already Revealed
Several retailers had posted product pages for the Beats 360 online ahead of schedule, revealing both the price and the four color options—Black, Cloud, Sky, and Pink—before the pages were taken down. The listed price of $299.99 would be lower than the regular price of the Beats Studio Pro, which is $349.99. There is no official confirmation yet for the European market, but retailer information suggests an exchange rate of around 300 euros. If you don’t want to wait until the official launch, you can already find the current Beats Studio Pro on Amazon.
When will the Beats 360 be released?
The name “Beats 360” has been appearing in leaks since August 2026, including entries in regulatory databases in the U.S., Brazil, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as photos of prototypes worn by professional soccer players like Lamine Yamal and Antonee Robinson during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The firmware update 4A203 from September 8, 2026, is considered the strongest indication that Apple is planning the unveiling for the coming weeks. A presentation as part of the iPhone event that same evening is considered unlikely: Previous Beats models were typically unveiled separately from Apple’s major keynotes, often without much advance notice. Apple is currently working on several hardware projects simultaneously anyway, as recent new patent applications related to a mixed-reality headset have shown.
Beats 360 vs. AirPods Max 2: Two Paths to the Same Goal
With the Beats 360, Apple is likely adding a more affordable alternative to the AirPods Max to its portfolio without cannibalizing sales of the higher-margin premium model. Where exactly the line between the two products lies depends heavily on whether the H2 chip is actually missing: Buyers who value adaptive audio and maximum ANC performance will likely still opt for the AirPods Max. Those primarily looking for a waterproof model suitable for everyday use at a lower price may be better served by the Beats 360.
Conclusion
Between firmware updates, retail leaks, and prototype sightings, there’s hardly any room left for doubt: The Beats 360 are about to be announced. The main questions remaining are whether Apple will keep the price in Europe below the 300-euro mark and whether the absence of the H2 chip will be noticeable in everyday use. We’ll update this article as soon as Apple releases official details.
