Apple’s Beats brand just announced its first-ever USB-C cables

As rumored, Apple’s Beats brand is making a foray into another new product category: USB-C cables. The company has announced its “first-ever collection of reinforced charging cables in an assortment of lengths and colors.” Pricing starts at $18.99 for a single cable, and they’re available to order today.

The new Beats cables are available in USB-C to USB-C, USB-A to USB-C, and USB-C to Lightning options. Color choices include Bolt Black, Surge Stone, Nitro Navy, and Rapid Red.

• USB-C to USB-C (1.5 m) in Bolt Black, Surge Stone, Nitro Navy, and Rapid Red.
• USB-A to USB-C (1.5 m) in Bolt Black, Surge Stone, and Rapid Red.*
  • *Rapid Red available this summer.
• USB-C to Lightning (1.5 m) in Bolt Black, Surge Stone, and Rapid Red.*
  • *Rapid Red available this summer.
• USB-C to USB-C (2-pack, 1.5 m) in Bolt Black.
• USB-A to USB-C (2-pack, 1.5 m) in Bolt Black.
• USB-C to USB-C (20 cm) in Bolt Black.
• USB-A to USB-C (20 cm) in Bolt Black.
• USB-C to Lightning (20 cm) in Bolt Black.

The cables feature an “anti-fray design” and were engineered by Apple. They’ve undergone “thousands of hours of testing” and each plug is reinforced at common strain ports to prevent fraying.

In terms of speed and data transfer capabilities, the USB-C to USB-C cable works with Apple and Android devices. It’s “built for charging, syncing, audio, CarPlay, and transferring data. It can charge at up to 60 watts when used with compatible devices and data speeds top out at USB 2.0 rates. The cable can also charge USB-C compatible Beats headphones and speakers while listening to audio or streaming lossless audio.

• USB-A to USB-C is designed for charging, syncing, CarPlay, and transferring data. Fast charging reaches up to 15 watts on select iPhone and iPad models, and data is transferred at USB 2.0 rates.
• USB-C to Lightning is compatible with iOS and iPadOS devices that have Lightning ports and supports charging, syncing, and CarPlay—with fast charging on select iPhone and iPad models.

In terms of pricing, The all of the 1.5-meter and 20-centimeter cables are $18.99 for a single cable. The 1.5-meter USBC-C to USB-C and USB-A to USB-C are available in two-packs for $34.99. You can order them starting today from the Apple and Beats website.

It’s interesting to see Apple’s Beats brands take another step into the accessory business with these USB-C cables. Beats surprised everyone last fall when it released iPhone cases to accompany the iPhone 16 launch.

To celebrate the launch of Beats Cables, the company has also shared a new ad with its popular “Pill People,” voiced by comedians Ben Marshall, Desi Banks, and Megan Stalter. Check it out below.