Apple appears to be working on new "Powerbeats4" wireless earphones to replace the existing Powerbeats3, based on strings in iOS 13.3 code uncovered by MacRumors contributor Steve Moser.
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9to5Mac was first to discover the Powerbeats4 reference, noting that the earphones will likely support hands-free "Hey Siri." This means the Powerbeats4 will likely have an Apple-designed H1 chip or newer, which delivers a faster and more stable wireless connection to your devices.
With the H1 chip, the Powerbeats4 would likely support "Announce Messages with Siri." When enabled, Siri reads your incoming messages out loud when your earphones are connected to your iPhone or iPad running iOS 13.2 or iPadOS 13.2 or later, you're wearing them, and your device is locked. Siri plays a tone, then announces the sender's name and reads the message.
Apple already released totally wireless Powerbeats Pro with "Hey Siri" support earlier this year for a regular price of $249.95. Powerbeats4 would likely be a cheaper version of the earphones and will presumably stick with the cord between the left and right earphone like the Powerbeats3, which retail for $199.95.
It is unclear if and when Apple will release the Powerbeats4 or if that will be the final consumer-facing name of the earphones.
iOS 13.3 was released yesterday.
Top Rated Comments
Yeah, that was why I chose BeatsX over the AirPods: besides better ear fit, the security of the little rubber connector "wire" is a godsend. If the battery hadn't started to hold less charge, the BeatsX would still be getting a lot of use today.I might get these when they are out. I had BeatsX (they were great but died eventually) and have PowerBeats Pro now. Overall I prefer BeatsX. I actually like the wire. You can take off the headphones and leave them around your neck. I did that all the time. With Beats Pro I have to take out the case, put the headphones in and put the case back in my bag (the case is huge and doesn't fit comfortably in my pockets). Then do the same in opposite order when I want to listen to something. It's a hassle.
Thanks for the tip, but Apple has their manufacturing, pricing, and supply chain down to a science.I don’t see the point.... Powerbeats Pro work pretty well... eliminate the wired version to save Money on manufacturing so you lower the price of the Pro’s $25-$50 and then profit by volume sales ??♂️