Beats by Dre is stepping into a new territory—and no, it’s not another pair of headphones or a speaker collab. The Apple-owned brand just announced a lineup of charging cables, marking the first time it's selling something that doesn’t make a sound but powers up the devices that do.
Simply called Beats Cables, this new collection includes three types of charging cords: USB-C to USB-C, USB-A to USB-C, and USB-C to Lightning. They're offered in two different lengths—short 20cm cables for tidy setups or travel use, and longer 1.5m cables for more flexibility when your outlet is halfway across the room.
Now these might just seem like ordinary cables with a Beats logo slapped on. But there are a few details worth noting if you’re in the market for a replacement or just want something that doesn’t fray after a few months.
One of the main features is the braided design. Unlike standard plastic-coated cables, these are wrapped in a woven nylon material that’s supposed to resist tangling and improve durability over time. That’s something a lot of users have come to expect from higher-end third-party cables—and Apple, through Beats, seems to be playing into that trend.
The USB-C to USB-C version supports fast charging at up to 60W, which makes it a decent option for things like laptops, tablets, and newer phones that rely on USB-C. The other two versions (USB-A to USB-C and USB-C to Lightning) are capped at 15W charging. So, while they’re fine for phones and headphones, don’t expect them to juice up your MacBook.
For data transfers, all of the cables operate at USB 2.0 speeds. That means they’ll handle things like syncing photos or transferring audio files just fine, but they’re not built for heavy-duty tasks like moving 4K video or large project backups.
Beats has never shied away from bold design, and these cables follow suit. You can get them in four different colors:
These are a far cry from the typical white cords Apple products ship with, and clearly aimed at users who want a little more personality in their gear.
As for pricing, it’s pretty middle-of-the-road:
The cables are available now through Apple’s website and Amazon.
So, why is Beats doing this? It might feel like a random move, but it’s not entirely out of left field. Accessory sales—especially charging cables—are a surprisingly big business. And with Apple phasing out Lightning in favor of USB-C across its product lineup, the timing works.
Beats already makes headphones and earbuds that require charging, so offering branded cables is a logical extension for users who want matching gear—or just a more stylish charging option than what came in the box.
There’s also a bit of branding play going on here. Beats is marketing these cables using its quirky Pill People characters—animated versions of the brand's Pill speaker—to show the cables being used in everyday scenarios. It’s a fun, Gen Z-friendly approach, and clearly intended to catch attention on social media.
If you’ve got a Beats headset, this might be a natural add-on. But even if you don’t, the cables are compatible with just about any modern USB-C or Lightning device, whether it’s an iPhone, Android phone, iPad, or pair of wireless earbuds.
That said, if you need higher data speeds or want support for more advanced charging protocols (like 100W USB PD or Thunderbolt compatibility), these probably aren’t going to cut it. They’re more of a lifestyle accessory—one that looks good and does the basics well.
Beats entering the charging cable market might not seem like headline news, but it reflects a broader trend: tech brands are looking beyond their core categories to offer more accessories—and capitalize on the fact that people lose or break cables all the time. By adding a touch of color and branding flair, Beats is betting that some customers will gladly pay a bit more for something that’s both functional and fun to look at.
