Beats Studio Buds+ with improved ANC found hidden in iOS 16.4
Evidence that Apple is planning to release a new version of the Beats Studio Buds wireless earphones came in the release candidate for iOS 16.4.
9to5Mac has spied evidence of an updated product dubbed the Beats Studio Buds+, which will have improved AirPods-like active noise cancellation and a better Transparency mode.
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Additionally, iOS 16.4 suggests that the updated audio accessory could be powered by the same Apple H1/H2 Connectivity Processor rather than a Beats chip. That would mean seamless automatic device switching and hands-free Hey Siri functionality.
However, an update to the report also suggests that the Beats chip could be the one present, but the buds would still offer support for Hey Siri.
The new Buds+ are codenamed 8124 according to the report and would offer on-board controls to switch between noise canceling modes. Additionally, 9to5Mac discovered images of the buds coming with new gold piping around a black color scheme.
It's unclear when the Beats Studio Buds+ will go on sale, but with iOS 16.4 imminent (likely early next week), we can't imagine the new buds will be too far behind. Improved ANC and Transparency Mode could bump the price beyond the required £130/$149 for the original, but that remains to be seen.
Speaking of the originals, we gave them a four-star rating, praising the natural balanced tone, solid noise cancellation, and comfortable fit.
Our review concluded, “The Beats Studio Buds are a solid pair of active noise-canceling (ANC) headphones. Sound is well-balanced, ANC is solid (considering the price) and iOS and Android support means there's no platform bias. There are limits, but the Studio Buds pack has a lot of value.
