After making multiple iPhone, iPad, Apple TV and iOS based announcements over the last two weeks, Apple has now officially announced an update to its collection of headphones that it became the proud parent of as part of the company’s high-profile acquisition of Beats by Dre. The existing Solo2 Wireless, Tour2, and Powerbeats2 Wireless headphones are all included in the refresh, and will be offered as part of a new ‘Active Collection’ as being marketed by Apple.
The new Beats Active Collection, which encompasses all of the products mentioned above, are being marketed and offered as special edition versions of the existing products that have proven so popular with consumers. Rather than make any sweeping changes to the underlying hardware, Apple has instead opted to keep the Tour2 in-ear headphones, the Solo2 Wireless headphones, and the Powerbeats2 Wireless earbuds hardware the same as what was previously offered. The difference being the external aesthetic and the color that the products are offered in.
No-one is denying that the Beats by Dre headphones are an extremely capable and premium product. However, they are also a range of products that are often chosen by the style conscious, which is where this new Active Collection fits in. The hardware may be the same under-the hood, but the introduction of three new vivid colors will undeniably appeal to the individual who wants to stand out from the crowd. Apple will be offering the headphones in blue (Flash Blue), red (Siren Red), and an extremely bright almost fluorescent yellow (Shock Yellow) that’s shown in the majority of Apple’s marketing images.
Interested in a new pair of headphones in one of Apple’s new exciting colors? The Solo2 Wireless headphones will set you back $299.95. The in-ear Tour2 option are slightly cheaper at $129.95, and the Powerbeats 2 fall in the middle of the two priced at $199.95. The full Active Collection range is available to purchase immediately via the online Apple Store. Alternatively, consumers can also head directly to the Beats by Dre site for more information and purchasing options.
All Active Collection products will ship from September 29, and we expect them to start appearing in bricks and mortar stores imminently. If you are in the market for a new set of headphones, then it may actually be prudent to exercise some patience as Apple is widely expected to introduce Beats by Dre headphones based on new hardware in time for the holiday shopping season.
You can follow us on Twitter, add us to your circle on Google+ or like our Facebook page to keep yourself updated on all the latest from Microsoft, Google, Apple and the Web.