New Apple headphones listed in FCC database Apfelpatient

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The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has released documents relating to an unreleased Apple product with the model number A3577 – described as "Bluetooth over-ear headphones." The model number does not match the AirPods Max 2, leaving room for speculation: It could be an upcoming Beats model or an as-yet-unknown Apple product.

The FCC database is one of the most reliable early warning sources for unreleased Apple hardware. Devices intended for sale in the US must undergo certification there – often months before their official launch. In this particular case, however, it's not an expected product causing discussion, but a model number that cannot be matched to any known Apple hardware. The AirPods Max 2, released in early April, bear the model number A3454 – the entry that has now surfaced refers to something else entirely.

What the FCC entry reveals

The listing record for model number A3577 describes the device as “Bluetooth over-ear headphones.” Most of the related documents are currently withheld under a confidentiality agreement—standard practice for Apple submissions that prevents competitors from accessing technical details until the product launch (via MacRumors)

One of the few published images shows an ear cup – without any recognizable design features that would allow conclusions to be drawn about the actual product. The image serves only to locate the FCC ID imprint. Thus, the crucial clue that often provided initial design hints in previous FCC leaks is missing.

What it is not – and what it could be

The only thing that's clear is what A3577 is not: it's not AirPods Max 2, as those are already on the market with a different model number. It's also not any existing Beats hardware with a known FCC registration.

One plausible possibility is updated Beats Studio Pro. The current model was introduced in July 2023 and is therefore almost three years old – a typical timeframe for a revision in the Beats portfolio. A second possibility: an Apple product outside the AirPods line, which has not yet been publicly discussed. Both scenarios remain speculation until further information emerges.

In the current AirPods rumor mill, a premium model is also being discussed, tentatively titled AirPods Ultra, which is expected to feature IR cameras and an H3 chip. However, according to previous reports, these are in-ear models, not over-ear headphones. The A3577 entry likely refers to a separate product line.

When the product might be released

FCC filings typically appear a few weeks to a few months before a product's market launch. For Apple, this window ranges from four to eight weeks before the official announcement, depending on the product category – sometimes shorter, occasionally longer. Historically, the timeframes have been similar for Beats.

If these are new Beats Studio Pro headphones, a late summer or fall unveiling would be plausible. A WWDC announcement on June 8th is considered unlikely, as Apple traditionally uses the event for software announcements and places hardware launches in dedicated events or via press releases.

Little substance, much room for speculation

With the information currently available, all that can be said is that a new Apple or Beats over-ear model is likely to be released in the foreseeable future. The confidentiality period usually ends with the official product launch or shortly before – at which point the withheld documents are also fully made public. Until then, the model number A3577 remains a promising entry that Apple observers should keep an eye on over the coming weeks. (Image: Shutterstock / fireFX)