Icon for Apple's Rumored Over-Ear Noise Canceling Headphones Discovered in Leaked iOS 14 Code

New icons for Apple's unannounced over-ear headphones have been discovered in leaked code for iOS 14 today (via 9to5Mac). The icons appear to relate to two different colors of the headphones: one white and one black, potentially similar to color options offered for the HomePod in White and Space Gray.

AirPods Max

Image via 9to5Mac

The icons found in the iOS 14 code relate to use in the operating system's battery and charging widget, similar to where you'll currently see AirPods and Beats headphones appear today. The design of the headphones falls in line with what is largely expected from Apple's first party over-ear headphones, with two large, padded cups that appear in style to the Beats Studio3 line.

The over-ear Apple headphones have been rumored for a few years now, and could include features like auto-pausing and auto-resuming when removing and replacing the headphones, noise cancelation, and quick connection to iOS devices. Because the new icons were uncovered in leaked iOS 14 code, this could mean the headphones will launch after iOS 14 in the fall, but of course nothing is confirmed as of yet.

Since 2018, rumors have predicted launch dates for these headphones that continuously miss their mark, from launching in late 2018 to sometime in the second half of 2019. Apple is reportedly planning to target the high-end audio market with the device, with active noise canceling features and high-quality build, all of which could be causing ongoing delays in the manufacturing process as the company tries to perfect the design.

Related Roundup: AirPods Max
Tag: iOS 14
Buyer's Guide: AirPods Max (Buy Now)
Related Forum: AirPods

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Top Rated Comments

Dougrb Avatar
68 months ago
White and Black? Come on macrumors. That’s the normal and dark mode color schemes.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
thadoggfather Avatar
68 months ago
I think Apple branded cans makes total sense.

the beats brand to me always felt like a conflict of interest branding wise... but I'm no marketing executive.

--

I ditched my Solo 3's recently after I got my Bose 700's. Just way more comfortable and the Beats were collecting dust, but that W1 chip was nice and awesome range / battery life. Just way too much headphone clamp for me, especially with glasses on, and not the most premium feeling or looking cans even matte black (tried to mask that I had Beats haha)
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
thadoggfather Avatar
68 months ago

The Beats brand is still popular and profitable, so there's no way they're ditching that until it inevitably becomes uncool. They may release a separate line under the Apple label for people who are "uncomfortable" with the Beats brand, however.
I didn't suggest they would be ditching it. Just saying there are probably a lot of Apple users not thrilled with Beats as a brand
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DinkThifferent Avatar
68 months ago
Yay! Us happy Apple nerds are excited because of a leaked icon! ? i like how we are all obsessed with everything Apple, it is a friendly environment here, away from the corona hysteria and oil troubles.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Apple2GS Avatar
68 months ago
Apple’s implementation of noise cancelling are the only ones that don’t make my ears feel like they are bleeding. If this has the same tech as the AirPod Pro, I’m in.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
macsplusmacs Avatar
68 months ago
I love my sony x3s except for a couple of things. Like multiple device support. If apple can have the same or better noise reduction AND apple like things like icloud support (like my airpods) and low latency connection I am sold.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)