I tested Apple's new Beats Cables with universal compatibility & anti-fray style
I've been testing Apple's first collection of reinforced charging leads, Beats Cables, which come in an assortment of lengths and colours.
The new Beats Cables are on sale now at Apple's online store in four eye-catching colours - Bolt Black, Surge Stone, Nitro Navy, and Rapid Red.
There are also three configurations available; you can get them in USB-C to USB-C, USB-A to USB-C and USB-C to Lightning. The Nitro Navy and Rapid Red colours are currently only available for the USB-C to USB-C configuration. However, Rapid Red will be coming to USB-A to USB-C (1.5m) and USB-C to Lightning (1.5m) this summer.
Beats Cables are crafted with an Apple-designed tangle-free woven fabric for increased durability and to prevent fraying. The cables come in two convenient lengths, 1.5 metres and 20cm, which both cost the same price. They will work for both stationary and portable use.
The new leads cost €24.95 for a single cable or €38.95 for a pack of two. However, the two-packs are only available for the 1.5 metre USB-C to USB-C and USB-A to USB-C options. As you might expect, you'll need to purchase power adapters / charging bricks separately.
The firm said the Beats Cables' packaging is made from 100 percent plant-based material sourced from recycled fibre and sustainable forests.
The USB-C to USB-C Beats Cable works with USB-C Apple and Android devices and is built for charging, syncing, audio, CarPlay, and transferring data. It charges USB-C compatible Beats headphones and speakers while listening to audio or streaming Lossless Audio.
When used with compatible hardware, USB-C to USB-C also supports fast charging up to 60 watts and can transfer data at USB 2.0 rates. For fast, efficient charging, pair the USB-C cable with a USB-C power adapter and conveniently charge compatible devices from a wall outlet.
USB-A to USB-C is designed for charging, syncing, CarPlay, and transferring data. Fast charging reaches up to 15 watts on select iPhone and iPad models, and data is transferred at USB 2.0 rates.
USB-C to Lightning is compatible with older iOS and iPadOS devices that use Lightning ports and supports charging, syncing, and CarPlay, and with fast charging on select iPhone and iPad models.
'From bold colours and packaging to bringing product features to life with the Pill People campaign, we're energising this category in true Beats fashion.' Beats CMO Chris Thorne said.
I've tested the new USB-C to USB-C configuration of Beats Cables on a variety of iPhones, iPads and Android devices, and love the premium styling and finish. They feel strong and secure and built to last and while it would have been nice to have faster USB-C 3.2 data transfer speeds, the cables are perfect for fast charging at up to 60W on a range of devices and for listening to Lossless Audio on Apple Music.
Beats Cables are available to order starting today for €24.95 for a single pack and €38.95 for a two-pack at Apple. They are also available at Amazon.
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