Beats Launches Bright USB-C And Lightning Charging Cables

Select Language:

Beats has introduced a new addition to its audio product range: Beats Cables. Specifically designed for charging, these cables include USB-C and Lightning options, and are available in four striking colors: Rapid Red, Nitro Navy, Surge Stone, and Bolt Black. Each cable features a woven fabric sheath aimed at reducing wear and tear. Buyers can choose between two lengths: 1.5 meters (approximately 4 feet, 11 inches) and 0.2 meters (8 inches). The 1.5-meter cables can be purchased individually or in a two-pack, while the shorter version is sold only individually. Interestingly, both lengths are priced the same—$19 for a single cable and $35 for the longer two-pack. Customers can start ordering them from Apple.com today, with in-store sales set to begin on April 17.

The new cables offer three different connector combinations: USB-C to USB-C, USB-A to USB-C, and USB-C to Lightning, though color options vary by connector type. For example, all four colors are available for the 1.5-meter USB-C to USB-C option, but the USB-C to Lightning version is not offered in Nitro Navy. All short 0.2-meter cables are exclusively available in Bolt Black.

While marketed as charging cables, these products provide a more extensive range of functionalities compared to standard power delivery cables. Here’s a summary of their features:

USB-C to USB-C: Compatible with both Apple and Android devices, allowing for charging, data transfer (up to USB 2.0 rates), syncing, audio usage, and CarPlay. It can fast-charge compatible Beats headphones (like the Beats Studio Pro) and speakers (such as the Beats Pill), supporting up to 60 watts of rapid charging.

ADVERTISEMENT
USB-A to USB-C: Utilizes charging, syncing, CarPlay support, and data transfer (up to USB 2.0 rates), with the ability to fast-charge at up to 15 watts for certain models of iPhone and iPad.
USB-C to Lightning: Designed for iOS and iPadOS devices with Lightning ports, enabling charging, syncing, and compatibility with CarPlay. This variant also supports fast charging for select iPhone and iPad models.

The reason behind Beats’ launch of its own cables relates to current trends in the wireless audio market. For example, the new Beat Solo Buds and the recent Powerbeats Pro 2 do not come with a charging cable as part of their packaging. This decision mirrors that of other brands like JBL, which has opted not to include charging cables with products like the JBL Flip 7 and Charge 6 portable Bluetooth speakers.

While it’s practical to expect consumers to source their own charging accessories, it also aligns with sustainability efforts since many users already possess compatible cables from previous devices, and wireless charging is gaining popularity. Thus, the rationale for not supplying a cable with every new product becomes more sensible.

As for why one would choose Beats Cables over cheaper alternatives available online, that decision ultimately falls to individual preferences and needs.