Beats is apparently launching new over-ear headphones – and their first public appearance isn't on an Apple stage, but rather on the neck of a football star. Lamine Yamal has posted a picture of striking pink headphones on Instagram, which have yet to be announced or named. Everything points to an imminent market launch.
Beats has been part of Apple since 2014 and occupies its own, decidedly fashion-conscious niche in the headphone market – in the over-ear segment alongside Apple's significantly more expensive premium model, the AirPods Max. While there have been hardly any concrete rumors about new Beats models recently, a double hint is now attracting attention: first, a regulatory filing in the US, followed shortly by a prominent appearance on social media. Together, they paint a clear picture of an upcoming product.
Pink headphones on Yamal's Instagram account
The crucial clue came from Lamine Yamal's official Instagram account. The photos show the professional footballer wearing bright pink headphones – sometimes around his neck, sometimes attached to the side of a bag. There are a total of four photos and one video.
Three of the photos show the headphones particularly clearly, including the side "b" logo, which has always been a trademark of Beats models. While the headphones aren't directly named or advertised in the article, the design is clearly recognizable: a classic over-ear design with closed earcups.
From FCC entry to Instagram stage
The Instagram post doesn't stand alone. As early as May 23rd, a previously unknown headphone model appeared in an FCC filing – a typical sign that a new device is close to approval. A week later, Yamal's pictures provided the answer to the question of which brand the model belonged to.
What's particularly revealing is the similarity: The over-ear design visible in the photos matches the simple drawing that accompanied the FCC filing. This brings the two tracks together to form a coherent overall picture.
Probably a successor to Beats Studio Pro
Which specific model is behind the teaser is officially unknown. Since there are currently few reliable rumors about new Beats headphones, a new version of the Beats Studio Pro is considered the most likely option. This over-ear headphone was released in July 2023 and remains the flagship model in the Beats lineup – a generational change would therefore be overdue.
Further details such as features, colors, or price are not yet known. However, the fact that Beats is already promoting the headphones through a prominent athlete suggests, based on past experience, that the market launch is likely only a few weeks away.
Sports stars as a proven Beats stage
The use of a celebrity endorsement is no coincidence for the Apple subsidiary, but rather a deliberate strategy. Beats regularly promotes new earbuds, headphones, and speakers through athletes long before a product is officially unveiled. Lamine Yamal, who plays for FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team, is an ideal ambassador for this: In the videos, he can be seen on his way to a training camp before the World Cup.
Its reach underscores the effect. With around 43 million followers, the post garnered over a million likes and approximately 5,100 comments within just one hour. While Apple expands its own audio portfolio with models like the anticipated AirPods Ultra, Beats retains its younger, fashion-conscious target audience with striking colors and celebrity endorsements – a teaser like this is therefore less of a lucky find and more of a calculated campaign launch. (Image: Shutterstock / Chansak Joe)
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