Interested in AirPods 2? Put your money away because Apple has just accidentally leaked a second pair of its premium wireless buds and, for many people, they will be the better buy…
Spotted by 9to5Mac’s ever-alert software specialist Guilherme Rambo, Apple left animations and images inside iOS 12.2 which show-off the first “truly wireless” version of Apple ‘Powerbeats’ earphones.
Update: the headphones are official and their launch has been covered by Forbes' contributor David Phelan.
Called ‘Powerbeats Pro’, they will replace Powerbeats 3 (which were widely reviewed as having superior sound quality to AirPods) while being the first Beats earphones to match AirPods’ wire-free format. Unlike AirPods, they will also have a tight seal with swappable ear tips, clips to keep them in place and higher water and sweat resistance making them ideal for workouts.
Moreover, 9to5Mac has learnt Powerbeats Pro will have the same next-gen H1 chip as AirPods 2 with “Hey Siri” support, faster pairing and long battery life (read more about this here). And since the H1 chip is Apple-exclusive hardware, your only choice will be AirPods 2 or Powerbeats Pro.
What remains unknown are price and battery life, but Powerbeats 3 offered 12 hours and Powerbeats Pro have an AirPods-style charging case so they look likely to stand toe-to-toe. As for pricing, Powerbeats 3 sell for $199 which is $50 more than standard AirPods but- unlike AirPods - the Beats range is frequently discounted online. Particularly during sales seasons.
One final sweetener? Powerbeats Pro will have black and white colour options. Black AirPods have been requested for years and companies like Colorware have found buyers happy to pay almost $200 more to apply this aftermarket finish.
So yes, for many potential AirPods 2 buyers the Powerbeats Pro will prove the better option and - thanks to Apple’s helpful error - it looks like you won’t have to wait long to get your hands on them…
___
Follow Gordon on Twitter, Facebook and Google+
More On Forbes
Apple AirPods 2 Vs AirPods: What's The Difference?
Apple Trolls Fans With New AirPower Packaging Leak
Apple's Foldable New iPhone Is Coming Together
Apple Leak Corroborates Ugly New iPhone Design
New iPhone Leak Details Apple's Crowd-Pleasing Battery Improvements
