Apple Obsoletes Older Beats Models as Push Towards Wireless Continues

Apple updated its vintage and obsolete products list today with the addition of some older Beats wired headphones and accessories, including select first- or second-generation Heartbeats, Mixr, Powerbeats, Pro, Solo, Solo HD, Studio and Tour models. One old wireless model was also obsoleted.

Apple products on the vintage and obsolete list are no longer eligible for hardware service, with a few exceptions. Apple defines obsolete products as those that have not been manufactured for more than seven years, while vintage products are those that were discontinued more than five but less than seven years ago.

Beats-Solo-HD

The following Beats headphones and accessories are now obsolete in the U.S., Asia-Pacific, Canada, Europe, Japan, and Latin America:

Heartbeats (2nd gen.): black, white
Mixr: black, white
Powerbeats (1st gen.): black, red, white
Pro: black, Detox, white
Solo (1st gen.): black, white, HTC white
Solo HD: black, black-gold, purple, red, white, Yao Ming
Studio (1st g.): Red Sox, black, blue, green, orange, pink, purple, red, silver, white
Tour (1st gen.): black, white
Urbeats (1st gen.): black, matte white
Wireless (1.5): black, white

Apple obsoleting many of the older Beats wired models listed above is largely unsurprising, but it comes at a time when the company is expected to make a big push towards wireless connectivity on its flagship product.

Multiple reports claim the iPhone 7 will not have a headphone jack, but rather an all-in-one Lightning port for docking and audio. iPhone 7 users would be able to pair wireless headphones over Bluetooth, use Lightning-equipped headphones or connect headphones with traditional 3.5mm jacks with a Lightning-to-3.5mm adapter.

Apple may release Lightning-equipped EarPods, and the company already offers Powerbeats 2, Solo2 and Studio wireless headphones through its Beats brand. It is also rumored the iPhone 7 will feature wireless charging, allowing for the smartphone to be charged at the same time Lightning-equipped headphones are being used.

iPhone-7-Headphone-vs-Lightning

Apple is also said to be developing new wireless headphones ahead of the iPhone 7's likely September unveiling.

Tags: Beats, vintage and obsolete

Top Rated Comments

(View all)

JustinGN

43 months ago

I'm all for wireless connectivity, but my gripe with it remains that Bluetooth audio is largely inferior to that of even a basic wired connection over 3.5mm, and unless Apple is going to be open to a lot more DAC/Amp makers using the Lightning connection on iOS devices for raw digital output, then a lot of audiophiles like myself may be a bit squicked by the lack of a headphone jack.

Where's the rumor they'll finally adapt AptX, or AptX lossless? If going wireless means being forced back into the realm of AAC, I'll pass and run as many janky adaptors as needed for analog out to my existing P5s; if, on the other hand, I can enjoy my ALAC files over wireless, I'll gladly replace/upgrade my P5s for it, if only to free myself of this terrible, easily broken cable.

Rating: 8 Votes

dynamojoe

43 months ago

I wish "obsoletes" meant "fire sale". I could use another set of headphones.

(YES, I know they suck, YES, I know there are better on the market, NO, I don't bloody well care)

Rating: 6 Votes

Mums

43 months ago

I wish they would just obsolete Beats.

Rating: 5 Votes

Digital Skunk

43 months ago

As it should.

Not that I think everyone should jump on the wireless headphone bandwagon, but if anyone should do it it should be Apple. They really need to turn that Beats investment into some game changing stuff. Wireless Beats earpods with every iPod/iPhone if you ask me.

Or maybe I'm being a bit irrational.

Rating: 3 Votes

Mums

43 months ago

Profit disagrees with you. Apple likes profit.

I disagree with your assessment. Maybe new Apple likes profit, but old Apple put quality even before profit - that's why they made so much profit. It takes a certain mindset to understand that, so I don't expect you to understand.

Rating: 3 Votes

Poisednoise

43 months ago

Most of Apple's products are active (powered) devices, so they depend on chips and other components that go obsolete themselves. However, with passive devices, it's reasonable to provide parts and service for a longer period of time.

As much as I don't care for the sound of Beats headphones, I'm disappointed Apple's not supporting these premium-priced headphones for longer.

Completely agree. Sennheiser still sells spare parts for the very first set of headphones I ever owned (HD414s- such amazing headphones for the time: purchased 1983) and the second set (HD480s - 1991). Agreed, computers and other electronics have a limited shelf life, but this sort of hardware should continue to be supported.

Rating: 2 Votes

69Mustang

43 months ago

I wish they would just obsolete Beats.

Profit disagrees with you. Apple likes profit.

Rating: 2 Votes

2457282

43 months ago

The naming convention is probably more of personal issue for you than it is for people who buy Beats gear.

In the end, it appears the gear is being purchased regardless of your personal standings on naming conventions.

Nothing I stated suggested that people were not buying because of the naming convention. However, I am very sure it causes confusion. I was in the Apple store earlier this week, getting my iphone 6s replaced (circuit board fried - never had that happen) and I sat at the genius bar, I heard a lot of non techies asking a lot of questions. Among the questions I would hear things like what the difference between x and y. (Actually mostly around air vs book, but my point stands)

Rating: 1 Votes

scaramoosh

43 months ago

I bought Studio Wireless last month and they suck, constantly dropping like when you whack a cd player and it stops for a second. I dunno why it's always doing it but I noticed if I cover up the top antenna it drops completely....

So I dunno if it's the headphones or if the iPhone 6s just has **** bluetooth.

Rating: 1 Votes