Quick answer: Beats just launched Beats 360, its new flagship over-ear headphones — the first Beats cans with swappable earcup and headband cushions, plus the brand’s strongest sound and ANC claims yet. Pre-orders started 22 September 2026 at $349.99 (US); retail shelves open 24 September 2026. Treat this as a launch briefing from Beats’ press materials, not a Gadget Clash lab review.
On 22 September 2026, Beats (Apple) announced Beats 360 from Culver City. The pitch is simple: one pair for commute, desk, gym, and travel — with cushions you can replace for sweat, style, or wear — instead of a fixed pad set that ages with the headphones.
This news summary is based on Beats’ official press release and product pages. Gadget Clash has not bench-tested Beats 360. Confirm live price, kit contents, and regional availability before you buy. Browse related gear on the headphones hub and our Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra clash for the wider ANC class.
Quick picks
- Worth a look if: you want Apple/Android-friendly over-ears, IPX4 sweat resistance, and cushions you can swap after workouts
- Wait / compare if: you mainly care about measured ANC vs Sony XM6 or Bose Ultra — independent reviews are still catching up
- Budget play: Beats cut Studio Pro to $299.99 (US) at the same time — check if that is enough for you
What Beats announced
Beats 360 is a wireless over-ear (circumaural) headphone with:- Interchangeable earcup and headband cushions — Beats’ first over-ear with that setup
- Custom dual-magnet drivers (three-layer diaphragms + dual neodymium magnets per driver, per Beats)
- Active Noise Cancellation Beats says delivers up to 1.75× more total noise cancellation than Beats Studio Pro (combined active + passive, per Beats’ IEC-based claim)
- Transparency mode, Adaptive EQ, and Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking (compatible hardware/software required)
- IPX4 sweat and water resistance — first over-ear Beats with that rating
- Up to 32 hours battery with ANC and Personalized Spatial Audio on (Beats/Apple lab claim)
- Fast Fuel: about 5 minutes charge for up to 1 hour playback (USB-C)
- Bluetooth 5.3 Class 1; custom Beats chip in each earcup
- About 294.5 g for the headphones (per Beats tech specs)
The big differentiator: swap the cushions
Most premium over-ears lock you into fixed pads. Beats 360 lets you change both the earcup and headband cushions.- Performance Knit — memory foam under a breathable knit; sold as the default and in six kit colors (Black, Cloud, Pink, Sky, Navy, Volt)
- UltraPlush — engineered leather finish Beats ties to Studio Pro / Solo 4; kits in Black and Cloud
Price, kits, and when you can buy
- Beats 360: $349.99 (US) — order from apple.com (and more than 100 countries/regions) from 22 September 2026; in-store from 24 September 2026
- Cushion kits: normally $49.99 (US) (or local); limited intro $9.99 (US) (or local intro) through 31 October 2026 in select markets including the US, Canada, UK, France, Australia, South Korea, and China — limit 3 per customer, while supplies last
- Canada product page (checked at draft time): listed around CA$479.95 — always confirm live CAD pricing tax and kit
- In the box: headphones with color-matched Performance Knit cushions, woven ripstop case, quick start / docs — USB-C cable and power adapter sold separately per Beats
- Studio Pro: now $299.99 (US) at Apple alongside this launch
Apple vs Android day to day
Beats is still strongest in the Apple orbit, but the press kit describes real Android support:- iPhone / Apple: one-touch pairing, Automatic Switching, Audio Sharing, Find My, Hey Siri, Personalized Spatial Audio where supported
- Android: Fast Pair, Audio switch, Find Hub, voice assistant, Beats app for settings (Beats cites Android 15+ for the app)
How this fits a Gadget Clash shopping plan
If you already shortlisted Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra, Beats 360 is a third lane: more lifestyle / gym-proof over-ears with replaceable pads, not a proven ANC king from independent labs yet. Choose Beats 360 if: swappable cushions, IPX4, and Apple/Android dual support matter more than waiting for third-party ANC scorecards. Skip (for now) if: you need a proven travel ANC pick today — lean Sony or Bose until reviews settle — or $300 Studio Pro is enough without the new platform.Our verdict
Beats 360 is a real product launch, not a rumored refresh: new acoustics story, stronger Beats ANC claim vs Studio Pro, first IPX4 over-ear from the brand, and cushions you can actually replace. At $349.99 US with shelves opening 24 September 2026, it is aimed at people who live in headphones all day — including workouts — not only desk ANC shoppers. Wait for independent listening and isolation tests before treating Beats’ “best ever” sound or 1.75× ANC line as settled fact.Before you buy
- Confirm US vs local currency / tax and whether cushions are included
- Decide Performance Knit vs UltraPlush before the intro kit pricing ends
- Check return window if fit or clamp feel is wrong for your head / glasses
- Compare live against Studio Pro at $299.99 if you do not need IPX4 or swappable pads
Is Beats 360 waterproof?
No. It is rated IPX4 — sweat and splash resistant for non-water sports, not swimming. Resistance can fade with wear; do not charge wet headphones.When does Beats 360 go on sale?
Orders from 22 September 2026; in-store and on-shelf from 24 September 2026 (per Beats).How long does the battery last?
Beats claims up to 32 hours with ANC and Personalized Spatial Audio on in its lab setup. Transparency mode is cited at 24 hours continuous in the same footnotes. Real life depends on volume, codecs, and features.Do I need Apple for Beats 360?
No. Android gets Fast Pair, Audio switch, Find Hub, and the Beats app. Some Spatial / Find My features stay Apple-only. Editorial note: Based on Beats’ press release “Introducing Beats 360” (22 September 2026) and Beats product tech specs / Canada store listing checked around draft time. Prices and intro cushion offers change. Gadget Clash has not bench-tested Beats 360.Was this guide helpful?