Apple tipped to reveal Beats Studio Buds+ alongside new AirPods
Brand new Beats
Here at Tom’s Guide our expert editors are committed to bringing you the best news, reviews and guides to help you stay informed and ahead of the curve!
You are now subscribed
Your newsletter sign-up was successful
Want to add more newsletters?
Daily (Mon-Sun)
Tom's Guide Daily
Sign up to get the latest updates on all of your favorite content! From cutting-edge tech news and the hottest streaming buzz to unbeatable deals on the best products and in-depth reviews, we’ve got you covered.
Weekly on Thursday
Tom's AI Guide
Be AI savvy with your weekly newsletter summing up all the biggest AI news you need to know. Plus, analysis from our AI editor and tips on how to use the latest AI tools!
Weekly on Friday
Tom's iGuide
Unlock the vast world of Apple news straight to your inbox. With coverage on everything from exciting product launches to essential software updates, this is your go-to source for the latest updates on all the best Apple content.
Weekly on Monday
Tom's Streaming Guide
Our weekly newsletter is expertly crafted to immerse you in the world of streaming. Stay updated on the latest releases and our top recommendations across your favorite streaming platforms.
Join the club
Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.
Beats earbud fans could soon get a new addition to the lineup if a report seen by 9To5Mac turns out to be true.
The news appears to uncover a new version of the popular Beats Studio Buds that we labeled a “surprisingly affordable” option, and have consistently ranked as one of the best cheap noise canceling headphones out there. But a new version called the Beats Studio Buds Plus could bring more features for a similar price.
There's no comment from Apple-owned Beats, but a 9To5Mac source suggests the new Studio Buds Plus model could come with additional features like audio sharing, automatic device switching, and have “Hey Siri” support, just like AirPods and other Beats wireless earbuds.
The original Studio Buds haven't been able to support these features due to the lack of Apple's H1/H2 chip. And it looks as though following an update to the original 9To5Mac story, a source has confirmed that although the new Beats Studio Buds Plus version won't have an Apple chip fitted, they will have a new custom chip that supports these additional features.
While the new design looks almost identical to the original Beats Studio Buds (and we expect them to be available in white, red, and black color options), the Plus version could also be available in a new black option that will have gold accents to the Beats' branding (pictured above). It's also thought the version will have press and hold media controls for play/pause, and also the ability to switch between noise-canceling and Transparency modes.
There's no clear information on whether the original Studio Buds, priced at $149, will be replaced by the Plus model, or whether they will continue alongside the Plus for a premium price. But we'll keep you updated with any extra info we uncover.
Could Apple be working on AirPods Pro Lite?
According to 9To5Mac, the report also mentions an unreleased version of the Apple AirPods.
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
Although it's unclear as to whether this model is a revision of the regular AirPods or the rumored AirPods Pro Lite, it could be further fuel to suggest a new middle ground between the AirPods Pro and the standard AirPods 3 is on the way.
Once again, we'll keep you updated with developments.
More from Tom's Guide
- 5 reasons why Apple's AirPods are still on top
- Best Apple AirPods alternatives
- Best cheap noise-canceling headphones

Lee was Tom's Guide's audio editor, where he covered all things audio for Tom's Guide, including headphones, wireless speakers and soundbars and loves to connect and share the mindfulness benefits that listening to music in the very best quality can bring. As a former editor of the U.K.'s Hi-Fi Choice magazine, Lee is passionate about all kinds of audio tech and has been providing sound advice to enable consumers to make informed buying decisions since he joined Which? magazine as a product tester in the 1990s. Lee has joined the passionate audio experts at audiograde.uk where he writes about luxury audio and Hi-Fi.
