Apple AirPods X headphones could arrive in March for $399

(Image credit: Curved)

Apple appears to be set to release a pair of noise-canceling headphones, based on mysterious listings in Target's product inventory.

The listing, reported by tech analyst Jon Prosser, shows a product called the Apple AirPods (X Generation) that will sell for $399. We suspect the page is referring to over-ear ANC headphones given that Apple's high-end AirPods Pro earbuds cost $150 less.

Also listed in Target’s systems is an “iPod Touch X generation” and a display unit “iPad 10.5 X”The “iPod Touch X” is almost CERTAINLY the new $400 iPhone. It comes in 6 SKUs, so possibly 6 color options.The “iPad 10.5 X” is most likely the new iPad Pro. pic.twitter.com/eCz1gVvfkbFebruary 22, 2020

Can't wait for the AirPods X? Check out our AirPods Pro review.
In the market for a pair of great headphones? See our full Beats Solo Pro review.
The best noise-cancelling headphones you can buy now.

Most premium over-ear noise-canceling headphones cost between $300 and $400, with the excellent Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 landing at the top of that range. Apple is known for packing the latest tech in its products and selling them at a premium, so $399 would make sense for its oft-rumored over-ear cans.

These won't be the first over-ear headphones released by Apple. The company has sold several Beats-branded headphones over the years, including the Beats Solo Pro. They will, however, be the first Apple-branded pair, making them direct competitors to the Microsoft Surface Headphones.

We don't have any concrete information about Apple's forthcoming headphones, but the pricing suggests they will feature active-noise cancelation. And they will almost certainly come with a custom chip, like the H1.

Apple headphone rumors

This isn't the first time we've heard about Apple's rumored over-ear headphones. Reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported in 2018 that the headphones would arrive by the end of that year.

Not long after, Bloomberg released a report stating that the headphones were delayed due to "development challenges." Kuo then followed up by predicting that the headphones would arrive in the first half of 2020.

With a big Apple event rumored for March 31, Kuo's prediction could come true. Apple is expected to reveal the iPhone SE 2 at the event, but the headphone unveiling could be the event's "one more thing" moment.

Regarding the name, we doubt they will be called the Apple AirPods (X Generation), although AirPods X would be on-trend.

We'll be on the lookout for an invite from Apple, and provide you with all the latest coverage should the company choose to unveil over-ear headphones at the event.

Phillip Tracy is the assistant managing editor at Laptop Mag where he reviews laptops, phones and other gadgets while covering the latest industry news. After graduating with a journalism degree from the University of Texas at Austin, Phillip became a tech reporter at the Daily Dot. There, he wrote reviews for a range of gadgets and covered everything from social media trends to cybersecurity. Prior to that, he wrote for RCR Wireless News covering 5G and IoT. When he's not tinkering with devices, you can find Phillip playing video games, reading, traveling or watching soccer.