A new report claims that Apple Inc. is developing a pair of wireless headphones with a modular over-the-ear design and integration with its Siri voice assistant.

Bloomberg, a frequent source of early information about upcoming Apple products, today cited sources as saying that the headphones have been in the works since 2018. The project is said to have run into multiple delays, but development is now apparently far enough along that the iPhone maker has physical prototypes in hand.

The headphones consist of two “oval-shaped ear cups” connected to a headband via thin metal arms. In a twist on the usual wireless headphones concept, Apple has reportedly made certain elements of the device modular, namely the headband padding and the pads in the so-called ear cups. The parts are said to be attached magnetically to let users replace them when they start showing wear or when they wish to make aesthetic customizations.

Beyond the unconventional design, Apple has reportedly equipped the headphones with Siri support and noise cancellation technology. Built-in noise cancellation is one of the main selling points of the iPhone maker’s AirPods Pro, a recently launched pair of wireless earbuds which contributed to its Wearables, Home and Accessories business’ record revenue last quarter. The division saw sales jump from $7.3 billion in the fourth quarter of 2018 to $10 billion in the three months ended Dec. 28, 2019.

Apple’s Wearables, Home and Accessories business also includes its HomePod smart speaker line, which trails rival products from Amazon.com Inc. and Google LLC in adoption. Apple is rumored to be working on a smaller, less expensive version of the HomePod alongside the headphone project in a bid to narrow the gap.

Both devices could reportedly launch as soon as this year. In contrast with the rumored HomePod, which is expected to be an entry-level device, the wireless headphones are described as a high-end product designed to compete with audio accessories that go for about $350. 

Photo: Apple