Apple is pulling from its shelves third-party headphones and wireless speakers, as it prepares to launch a new, lower-cost HomePod speaker and AirPod Studio headphones. The items no longer offered are from Bose, Logitech, Sonos, and others.
Bloomberg reports Apple removed headphones and speakers from Bose, speakers from Logitech’s Ultimate Ears brand, and Sonos speakers from its online Apple Store at the end of September.
Apple has also reportedly instructed Apple retail employees to pull third-party audio products from shelves over the course of the last few days. Beats-branded headphones and speakers continue to be offered alongside Apple’s AirPods and HomePod.
We’ve seen this in the past, as we saw Apple remove fitness trackers form its shelves just ahead of the launch of the Apple Watch. And Apple spokesperson told Bloomberg that it regularly makes changes to the products that it offers as new third-party accessories are released and the needs of customers change.
Numerous rumors have indicated Apple is working on several new audio products, including “AirPod Studio” high-end over-ear headphones as well as a smaller, lower-priced HomePod. Both products are expected to launch before the end of the year, and Apple’s removing of third-party competing products from its shelves indicate the items’ launch may be imminent.
