Apple is no longer offering headphones and speakers from third-party companies as rumors indicate it is preparing to launch its HomePod and AirPods Studio.
Amid rumors of an impending launch of the new and cheaper HomePod and AirPods Studio headphones, Apple stops offering headphones and speakers made by third-party companies like Logitech, Sonos, and Bose. A check performed by news outfit Bloomberg showed Apple has removed from its products list at the Apple Store the Sonos speakers, Ultimate Ears brand speakers by Logitech, as well as headphones and speakers made by Bose.
A search for these speakers and headphones made by third-party companies in Apple stores online yielded no results. On the other hand, rumors are rife about an impending launch of the new Apple HomePod and AirPods Studio headphones. The launch is reportedly scheduled for October 13, which is the same rumored launch date of the iPhone 12 series.
For the past few days, staff at various Apple retail locations were also reportedly asked to pull out from their shelves the speakers and headphones made by third-party companies. Apple retail and online stores, however, continue to sell headphones and speakers made by Beats alongside the AirPods and the current version of the HomePod amid rumors of an impending launch of a new and cheaper HomePod and AirPods Studio headphones.
In the past, the Cupertino-based tech giant made similar actions at a time when rumors of an Apple Watch launch were circulating. At the time, Apple removed from its products list the company's fitness trackers stock ahead of the launch of the smartwatch. Recently, Apple appears to make similar moves as it suddenly stopped selling headphones and speakers made by third-party companies like Logitech, Sonos, and Bose amid widespread rumors about an upcoming launch of new and cheaper HomePod and AirPods Studio headphones.
When asked for a comment, Apple told Bloomberg that it often implements changes and modifications to its product offerings with the release of fresh third-party products, and as the customers' needs change. The company, however, did not confirm nor deny whether their move has something to do with the rumors about the imminent launch of new and cheaper HomePod and AirPods Studio headphones. Apple also did not comment on why it chose to retain the Beats brand speakers even as it stopped selling headphones and speakers made by third-party companies. Rumors say that the Cupertino-based company is working on some new audio products. These include a smaller and cheaper HomePod, as well as the high-end over-ear Apple headphones which some say will be called the "AirPods Studio."
