Apple stops selling third-party headphones and speakers

Apple is no longer selling third-party headphones and wireless speakers, as the company gears up to launch its new audio products this month. The third-party audio products include headphones and speakers from companies like Bose, Sonos, and Logitech’s Ultimate Ears brand.

Previously, Apple had been selling third-party hardware devices on its online store which disappeared at the end of September, Bloomberg noted. Products that were formerly available on Apple’s online store and retail stores are no longer visible in search results, too.

The Cupertino-based technology giant also instructed employees at its retail stores to remove third-party audio products recently. The online store and retail stores continue to offer Beats-branded headphones and speakers alongside Apple’s AirPods and ‌HomePod‌ smart speaker.

This isn’t a new move for Apple, the company had similar strategy ahead of Apple Watch launch. It had cleared out stock of third-party fitness trackers before launching its own wearable. Apple told Bloomberg that it regularly updates the products on shelf as new third-party accessories are released and the needs of customers change over time.

Apple is also said to be working on new audio products, including a smaller, lower-cost HomePod and high-end over-ear headphones, possibly called “‌AirPods Studio‌.” Both of these new products are expected to launch later this year.