Tech

Apple has another new set of wireless headphones for people who don't want AirPods

Key Points
  • Apple's Beats brand announces new Powerbeats Pro headsets.
  • They are similar to AirPods in that the buds aren't connected with a wire and they have a charging case.
  • They cost $250 and will launch in May.
Beats Powerbeats Pro
Beats

Apple's Beats brand unveiled the new Powerbeats Pro headphones on Wednesday, which appear to be a good alternative to AirPods, with a sportier design, adjustable ear plugs and water resistance.

Like AirPods, there's no cord connecting the left and right buds of the Powerbeats Pro, which makes them less likely to get tangled. They fit inside a small charging case, and offer up to 9 hours of audio playback on their own, or up to 24 hours of playback with the charging case. Unlike the latest AirPods, however, the case doesn't support Qi wireless charging, so you still need to plug it in.

But Apple did borrow a couple of other features from the latest AirPods, including support for speaking, "Hey Siri," to bring up its digital assistant, and an H1 chip that makes it easier to pair with and switch between iPhones, iPads and Macs.

The Powerbeats Pro headphones will go on sale in May and cost $249.95, a steep premium over the $159.99 AirPods.

Apple announces new AirPods with wireless charging and voice control
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Apple announces new AirPods with wireless charging and voice control