Well, we weren’t expecting this news from the Beats audio brand, but it makes sense once you start to think about it just a little.
Beats has announced its first-ever collection of reinforced charging cables, which are available to order today (April 15) in four colours for £18.99 / $18.99 per cable (both 1.5m and 20cm) or £34.99 / $34.99 for a pack of two cables.
The cables come in a variety of different configurations, from USB-C to USB-C to USB-A to USB-C and USB-C to Lightning. All you get is the cable, there are no power adapters included with the purchase. At least you’ll be able to use these cables to charge or play audio from the best Beats headphones if you have one.
The cables come in Black, Surge Stone, Nitro Navy, and Rapid Red colours and in two “convenient” lengths in 1.5m and 20cm for whether you’re using them at home or for portable use. The Rapid Red version of the USB-A and Lightning cables will go on sale in the summer.
They’re designed with a tangle-free woven design that Beats claims increases the durability of the cables and prevents fraying (unravelling).
USB-C all the things
Given the new EU law that all devices, including Apple’s iPhone, must be sold with USB-C connections it makes sense that Beats is now offering USB-C cables to make it easier to charge devices. And of course, let’s not forget that it’s another revenue stream for Beats to make money off of.
These cables won’t just be for charging or for Apple devices, as they’ll work with the best Android phones too. With these cables you’ll be able to sync devices, play audio, use them for CarPlay (if you still use CarPlay) and transfer data from one device to another, which would be a godsend. We can’t tell you how many times we’ve tried to transfer data from one device to another, only to be told it’s not compatible for some reason.
The USB-C to USB-C cable can support fast charging up to 60w and transfer data at USB 2.0 rates. For faster, more efficient charging, you’ll need a USB-C power adapter. Fast charging can reach up to 15w on select iPhone and iPad models.
USB-A to USB-C is designed for charging, syncing, CarPlay, and transferring data. The USB-C to Lightning cable should also make it easier to charge and sync devices with the older Lightning port.
