For audiophiles interested in getting the iPhone 7, finding the right pair of headphones is essential. We’ve surveyed the landscape for audio accessories, and here’s your guide to new notable headphones for the jack-less iPhone 7—both Lightning and wireless models.
Announced this week in conjuction with the jack-less iPhone 7, these AirPodsRemove product link are truly-wireless versions of Apple’s EarPods. They are equipped with Bluetooth, but their best features are reserved for Apple devices running iOS 10, macOS Sierra, or watchOS 3. The AirPods have Apple’s first-of-its-kind W1 chip so there are fewer dropped connections. They work with sensors and an accelerometer that know whether you are listening or talking to better route audio, filter out ambient noise, and enable the microphone automatically. The AirPods themselves can last for up to 5 hours, and the charging case holds enough power for 24 hours of playback.
These lightweight wireless headphones sport state-of-the-art noise cancellation. Sennheiser has incorporated other hi-tech specs in these Momentum headphonesRemove product link, like aptX for delivering hi-fi audio, NFC for immediate and effortless Bluetooth pairing, and a 22-hour battery. The Momentum Wireless are made out of stainless steel and real leather, and they can be folded up for maxium portability.
A followup to the Dash wearable, Bragi’s HeadphoneRemove product link caters more specifically to audiophiles. These truly-wireless earbuds have 6 hours of battery life and come with a portable charger to recharge on the go. You can pre-order the Headphone on Bragi.com now, and the earbuds are expected to ship in November.
The Q Adapt earbuds connect via the Lightning port to deliver active noise-cancelling capabilities without the need for an additional built-in battery. Now you won’t have to worry about recharging these earbuds in order to get four leves of noise cancellation. The Q Adapt earbuds will be available in mid-September on Libratone.comRemove product link and will start shipping in early October.
Bowers & Wilkins’ new P7 Wireless headphonesRemove product link are just as reliable as its wired models, equipped with aptX technology to stream hi-fi quality music. The battery life lasts an impressive 17 hours. You can buy the P7 Wireless headphones now from Bowers & WilkinsRemove product link or preorder them on Amazon.comRemove product link to be shipped on September 14.
Jaybird makes wireless earphones that are perfect for an active lifestyle. Their latest are the Jaybird Freedom earphones with a patented secure-fit and sweat-proof capabilities. In terms of battery life, the Jaybird Freedom earphones can last up to 8 hours: 4 hours on their own and an extra 4 hours with that charging clip. You can buy them now in four different colors from Amazon.comRemove product link or in Apple-approved rose gold and space grey exclusively from Apple.com.
If you want wireless earbuds with more robust fitness-tracking, Jabra has just unveiled their line of Elite Sport Earbuds. In addition to a built-in heart monitor, these earbuds have voice coaching that you can program using the app to help with your fitness routines. They can last for up to 9 hours: 3 hours on their own with 6 additional hours with the charging case. You can preorder them on Jabra.comRemove product link, and they are expected to ship in November.
The Helix Cuff, an honoree at this year’s CES Innovation Awards, is a stylish wearable that doubles as a carrying case for your wireless earphones. The magnetic cuff is made from stainless steel, and the earphones are equipped with aptX technology to deliver hi-fi audio with a range of 25 feet. The cuff does not act as a charging case, however, so you’ll have to recharge the earphones after three hours of listening/talk time. You can order the Helix Cuff from Ashley Chloe’s websiteRemove product link, and they are expected to start shipping this month.
After creating some of the first Lightning on-ear headphones on the market, Audeze has recently launched a pair of Lightning in-ear headphones, the iSine line. The iSine10 headphones rely on planar magnetic technology to make it sound like you’re listening to music live. You can preorder your pair on Audeze.comRemove product link now, and they are expected to ship in early November.
After launching a single wireless earbud, Rowkin now has earphones that can pair together in stereo mode. The Rowkin Bit are the smallest truly wireless earphones on the market, but their small size means their battery can only last for 3 hours of listening/talk time (you can use the built-in mic to answer calls or talk to Siri). You can get them now on AmazonRemove product link in space grey, silver, and rose gold.
Former NFL player Mark Clayton created the LIVV wireless headphones with a patented band so that they would remain in place, even if you’re doing pro-level conditioning drills. With Bluetooth 4.1 audio, these headphones can stream music even if you’re 40 feet away from your iPhone. Or leave your device at home altogether and use the 8GB of built-in storage for storing 4,000 of your favorite songs. You can order your pair from the LIVV websiteRemove product link.
Apple-owned Beats got the heads up about the lack of headphone jack in the iPhone 7. Beats released three new wireless headphones alongside the new iPhone. The first is an upgrade to its popular Solo line, the Beats Solo3 WirelessRemove product link, with 40 hours of battery life. Like the AirPods, the Solo3 headphones sport Apple’s custom W1 chip so you can instantly connect them to a designated iOS device. Apple says they will be available later this fall.
The second Beats product to get announced is the Powerbeats3Remove product link, designed for active listening with a secure-fit hook and sweat-proof capabilities. The Powerbeats3 Wireless also have a W1 chip that helps optomize battery life. Now, the Powerbeats3 boast 12 hours of battery life. They will also be available this fall, according to Apple.
In addition to upgrading two previous models, Beats also unveiled a brand-new pair of wireless earphones, the BeatsXRemove product link. These also have the W1 chip and instant setup, but they are much more affordable than the Powerbeats. The BeatsX last for 8 hours of playback, but have a Fast Fuel feature when you’re running out of battery. Charging them for just 5 minutes gives you an additional 2 hours of battery life. Like the rest of the new Beats models, they are expected this fall.
Author: Oscar Raymundo, Staff Writer
Oscar writes about iOS, mobile culture and digital music. He also hosts 'The iPhone Show' from Macworld's San Francisco HQ.