Beats 360 leaks reveal sweat-resistant design, stronger ANC, and a $299 price tag. Here’s everything we know about Apple’s next headphones.
If you’ve spent any time in headphone forums or on Reddit lately, you’ve probably run into the name Beats 360. It hasn’t been officially announced by Apple or Beats, yet somehow we already know an enormous amount about it. Retail listings have leaked and been pulled down, regulatory filings have surfaced, and professional soccer players have been photographed wearing a mystery pair of over-ear headphones that match the description perfectly. Put it all together, and the Beats 360 might be one of the most thoroughly “leaked” products in recent memory before it’s even had its moment on stage.
So what exactly is coming, and is it worth waiting for? Let’s go through what’s been reported so far.
What Is the Beats 360?
The Beats 360 appears to be a new pair of over-ear, noise-cancelling wireless headphones sitting below Apple’s flagship AirPods Max but above the current Beats Studio Pro. Rather than positioning them purely as studio-style headphones, the leaked marketing language leans heavily on fitness and active use: sweat resistance, interchangeable cushions, and a design built to survive a workout rather than just a commute.
Where the Leaks Came From
The Beats 360 name first showed up as a codename buried in a macOS Tahoe update, tied to a board identifier that matched an unannounced Bluetooth accessory. From there, an unnamed Apple headset passed through FCC filings, and professional athletes were spotted wearing an unreleased headphone design during a major soccer tournament. The clearest evidence came when full product listings briefly went live on Amazon UK and other retail sites before being pulled, revealing product photos, specs, and even pricing. None of this has been confirmed by Apple, but the sheer volume and consistency of the leaks makes it hard to dismiss.
Design and Build
A Rounder, AirPods Max-Inspired Look
Photos from the leaked listings show a rounder silhouette than the current Studio Pro, with mesh fabric ear cups and a padded headband that clearly borrows visual cues from the AirPods Max. Telescoping headband arms are said to extend smoothly and lock into place, which should make it easier to get a consistent, secure fit.
Interchangeable Cushions
One of the more practical touches is swappable ear and headband cushions. Standard models are expected to ship with what Beats is calling Performance Knit cushions, with a softer UltraPlush option sold separately. That means you could keep one set for workouts and switch to something plusher for everyday listening, or just refresh worn-out padding without buying a new headphone.
Sweat and Water Resistance
If the leaks hold up, the Beats 360 will be Beats’ first-ever sweat- and water-resistant over-ear headphones, carrying an IPX4 rating. That’s a meaningful upgrade for anyone who’s ever hesitated to wear over-ear headphones to the gym out of fear of damaging them. It won’t survive a swim, but it should comfortably handle a sweaty workout or getting caught in light rain.
Sound and Noise Cancellation
Stronger ANC Than Studio Pro
Leaked listings claim the Beats 360 delivers up to 1.75 times more active noise cancellation than the Beats Studio Pro, which launched back in 2023. That’s a big jump on paper, and it suggests Beats has been working on a meaningfully upgraded chip or driver setup. Adaptive ANC is also mentioned, meaning the headphones should adjust the level of noise cancellation based on your environment and how well the ear cups are sealing against your head.
Spatial Audio and Head Tracking
Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking is also on the feature list, which should make movies and certain music mixes feel more immersive by adjusting sound based on how you move your head. It’s a feature Apple has brought to several of its audio products, so its inclusion here isn’t a huge surprise.
Battery Life and Charging
Details are still thin here. Listings mention “all-day” battery life even with ANC switched on, but no exact hour figures have leaked yet. Charging is expected to happen over USB-C, in line with the rest of Apple’s current lineup, though some listings suggest the cable and power adapter might be sold separately rather than included in the box.
Call Quality and Controls
For calls, the Beats 360 is said to use an AI-trained algorithm paired with beamforming microphones to filter out background noise, which should help on windy commutes or noisy offices. Physical controls are reportedly placed on the back of each ear cup, including a volume rocker, a multi-function button for music and calls, a power button, and a separate button for switching listening modes. That’s a fairly generous control layout compared to some headphones that rely entirely on touch panels.
Expected Price and Colors
Leaked listings point to a price around $299, which would undercut the Studio Pro’s original $349 price tag and sit well below the $549 AirPods Max. Expected colors include Pink, Black, Sky, and Cloud, with Navy and Volt (a bright yellow-green) potentially joining later based on cushion listings that appeared without matching headphone listings.
When Will the Beats 360 Launch?
There’s still no official release date. Firmware updates for the unannounced product have already rolled out, which is often a sign a launch is close, since companies tend to finalize software shortly before a public reveal. Given how much has already leaked, many expect an announcement sometime around the holiday shopping season, though nothing is locked in until Apple or Beats makes it official.
Tips for Deciding Whether to Wait
If you’re currently shopping for over-ear headphones, it’s worth thinking through a few things before you buy something else:
- If sweat resistance and workout durability matter to you, waiting for the Beats 360 could be worthwhile.
- If you want confirmed specs and reviews rather than leaks, sticking with an already-released pair like the Studio Pro or AirPods Max is the safer bet.
- If price is your main concern, the rumored $299 tag is competitive, but rumored prices sometimes shift before launch.
Conclusion
The Beats 360 is shaping up to be one of the more interesting headphone releases on Beats’ roadmap in years, blending a fitness-friendly design with meaningful upgrades to noise cancellation and sound. Nothing is official yet, so treat every spec here as a strong rumor rather than a guarantee. But between the regulatory filings, athlete sightings, and detailed retail listings, there’s enough smoke that a real launch seems to be just a matter of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Beats 360?
It’s an unreleased pair of over-ear, noise-cancelling wireless headphones from Beats, expected to sit between the Beats Studio Pro and the AirPods Max in terms of features and price.
Is the Beats 360 officially announced?
No. As of now, everything known about it comes from leaked retail listings, regulatory filings, and firmware clues rather than an official Apple or Beats announcement.
How much will the Beats 360 cost?
Leaked listings suggest a starting price around $299, though this figure hasn’t been confirmed and could change before launch.
Will the Beats 360 be water-resistant?
Leaks indicate an IPX4 rating, which would make it Beats’ first sweat- and water-resistant over-ear headphone, suitable for workouts and light rain exposure.
What colors will the Beats 360 come in?
Reported colors include Pink, Black, Sky, and Cloud, with Navy and Volt possibly joining as additional options based on cushion listings.