Bloomberg is reporting that Apple might make a push into the higher-end headphone market by introducing a set of wireless, noise-canceling over-the-ear headphones--something that would compete directly with products from Bose and Beats by Dre. The story below says that development of the headphones has been "on and off" over the past year yet they could launch before year's end.

From Bloomberg.com
Apple Inc.'s AirPods earphones have been a surprise hit. Now, the company is planning a push into the high end of the market.

The Cupertino, California-based technology giant is working on noise-canceling, over-ear headphones that rival headsets from market leaders like Bose and even the company's own Beats by Dre brand, according to people familiar with the product's development. The company plans to launch the headphones as early as the end of this year, but has faced development challenges that might push back the release, the people said.

Work on the Apple headset has been on-and-off over the past year. The company encountered similar problems with the HomePod during its development, including multiple redesigns, according to the people. It's possible Apple will redesign the headphones again before launch, or scrap the project altogether, they warned, asking not to be identified discussing private development work.

An Apple spokesman declined to comment.

The latest plans call for headphones targeting the high-end of the market, replicating Apple's approach with the $349 HomePod speaker, released earlier this year. In addition to noise-canceling capabilities, Apple plans to include similar wireless pairing functionality to the AirPods, according to the people familiar with the product's development.

To read the complete Bloomberg story, click here.

Additional Resources
• Visit the Apple website for more information on the company's current product lineup.
• Apple Makes Waves in the 4K Market at HomeTheaterReview.com.