Apple to Launch Redesigned Headphones Alongside New iPhone and iPods - Gadget Helpline (blog)

Apple may be set to launch a brand new design for its classic standard earphones, which will come boxed with the new iPhone 5 and also with new models of iPod.

While it may not seem like big news, sitting in the shadow of the new iPhone itself, the redesign will mark the first time Apple has changed its headphone design in a very long time. The bog standard boxed Apple headphones are often switched out for a pricier set, and now it seems that Apple has plans to offer something better.

Vietnamese gadget super-site Tinhte has gotten its hands on a pair of the purported new plugs, and has kindly taken some pictures and even a video to show them off. With just 8 days to go until the rumoured announcement of the iPhone 5, the new headphones that will come in the box have been manufactured by Foxconn in Vietnam.

Our Vietnamese isn’t great (read: non-existent) and the video has since been removed, but thankfully the video has been translated by MacRumors:

“In my hands are the new earphones for the iPhone 5 that is about to come out â€" Apple’s next generation of iPod [sic],” it says. “These will replace the current earphones that are on the market. These are manufactured at Phax Co factory in Vietnam.

“They have the appearance of a horse’s head, not like earbuds. When they are worn, they have a much smaller profile. They have the appearance of a fully integrated, single unit â€" there’s no part that looks like it would come apart â€" not like earbuds; the integrated design is characteristic of Apple products.”

The new headphones appear to offer two outlets for sound per bud, with one firing directly into your ear canal and one on the side. From what we can tell they’re still going to be made from a shiny white plastic, and unless the audio quality is improved we can still see many shelling out on an upgrade or leaving these in the box in favour of a set they already have.

As for the authenticity of the products, Tinhte has a stellar track record for leaked Apple products. This is partly thanks to its location in Vietnam, where Apple manufactures many of its parts and products, and partly thanks to its massive following of gadget-loving readers who send in tips. The site has previously leaked the iPad 3 and iPhone 4 before anyone else!

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Source: Tinhte

Tags: 5th Gen, Apple, Earbuds, Earphones, Headphones, In-Ear, iPhone 5, ipod touch, Redesigned