Apple is no longer selling any third-party speakers or headphones in its online store.
The change, noticed by Bloomberg, likely has to do something with the reports that Apple is launching its own over-the-ear headphones soon, as well as a new version of its HomePod speaker.
I’ve checked Apple’s store and could not find any speaker or headphone products except Apple’s own AirPods, Beats, HomePod, and related accessories.
Apple has been selling several brands of headphones and speakers over the years, including ones from Bose, Logitech, Ultimate Ears and Sonos. Some of these companies confirmed to Bloomberg that their products are no longer sold at Apple Store, with Ultimate Ears confirming the change was made in September.
Bloomberg’s report claims that employees at Apple’s physical retail locations were recently instructed to remove third-party speakers and headphones at stores.
Apple’s upcoming headphones are likely to be Apple-branded, wireless with noise cancellation, and a price tag of $399. The new HomePod will likely be smaller and cheaper than the original HomePod, which costs $299.
These new products will probably be announced sometime this month, alongside the iPhone 12. Apple typically launches new iPhone flagships in September, but this year the coronavirus pandemic forced the company to push the launch date into October.
Mashable has reached out to Apple for comment and will update the post when we hear back.