Apple-owned Beats is expanding beyond audio products with a new line of stylish charging accessories. The company, best known for headphones and speakers, has entered the charging cable market with products that offer both practicality and visual appeal that Apple's own cables lack.
A Colorful Alternative to Standard Cables
Beats has officially unveiled its new Beats Cables collection, featuring vibrant color options and durable design elements that set them apart from Apple's minimalist offerings. The new cables feature a premium woven design that not only adds visual appeal but also provides practical benefits by reducing tangles and increasing durability against frays and rips. This launch represents Beats' second venture into mobile accessories, following last year's introduction of iPhone cases that replaced Apple's FineWoven cases.
Comprehensive Device Compatibility
Unlike their previous accessories, Beats Cables offer full compatibility across Apple and Android ecosystems. The cables come in three different connector configurations to accommodate various devices: USB-C to USB-C, USB-A to USB-C, and USB-C to Lightning. Each configuration is available in either a standard 1.5-meter (approximately 5 feet) length for everyday use or a compact 20cm (8-inch) option ideal for travel and portability.
Beats Cables Configurations:
- USB-C to USB-C (5ft) – Available in Bolt Black, Surge Stone, Nitro Navy, Rapid Red
- USB-A to USB-C (5ft) – Available in Bolt Black, Surge Stone, Rapid Red
- USB-C to Lightning (5ft) – Available in Bolt Black, Surge Stone, Rapid Red
- USB-C to USB-C 2-pack (5ft) – Available in Bolt Black only
- USB-A to USB-C 2-pack (5ft) – Available in Bolt Black only
- USB-C to USB-C (8in) – Available in Bolt Black only
- USB-A to USB-C (8in) – Available in Bolt Black only
- USB-C to Lightning (8in) – Available in Bolt Black only
Pricing:
- Single cables (any length): USD $18.99
- Two-pack cables: USD $34.99
Technical Specifications and Performance
The USB-C to USB-C cable supports charging speeds up to 60 watts and data transfer rates up to USB 2.0 with compatible hardware. It allows users to charge, sync, stream lossless audio, transfer data, and connect to Apple CarPlay. The USB-A to USB-C option delivers up to 15 watts of fast charging with USB 2.0 data transfer rates, while the USB-C to Lightning cable is designed specifically for iOS devices with Lightning ports, offering fast charging capabilities for select models.
Technical Specifications:
- USB-C to USB-C: Up to 60W charging, USB 2.0 data transfer rates
- USB-A to USB-C: Up to 15W charging, USB 2.0 data transfer rates
- USB-C to Lightning: Fast charging for compatible iOS devices
- All cables: Braided, tangle-free design for increased durability
Filling a Gap in Apple's Lineup
Notably, the USB-A to USB-C option fills a significant gap in Apple's own cable lineup. Despite Apple's decade-long transition to USB-C across its product range, the company never released its own branded USB-A to USB-C cable, forcing users to rely on adapters or third-party solutions. Beats now provides a first-party solution to this longstanding issue.
Stylish Design Options
The Beats Cables are available in four distinct colorways: Bolt Black, Surge Stone, Nitro Navy, and Rapid Red. However, availability varies by configuration – Nitro Navy is only offered in the USB-C to USB-C version, while Rapid Red will be released later this summer for select configurations. Two-pack options are also available, but only in Bolt Black and only for the 1.5m USB-C to USB-C and USB-A to USB-C variants.
Pricing and Availability
The new Beats Cables are priced at USD $18.99 for individual cables in either length, while the two-pack options retail for USD $34.99. They're available for purchase on Apple's online store starting now, with physical retail availability beginning April 17. For consumers seeking durable, visually distinctive cables backed by Apple's quality standards, the new Beats lineup offers a refreshing alternative to the typically monochrome accessory options.