Beats is preparing something unusual, and we learned about it not from a press release, but straight from the FIFA World Cup training grounds. If you’ve been watching the World Cup, you’ve probably noticed the unusual headphones around Lamine Yamal’s neck. He was the first to reveal the unannounced model, and now American player Antonee Robinson and South Korean Lee Kang-in have been spotted wearing the same headphones. Each has a different ear cushion color, and for a brand that typically colors its headphones entirely in one tone, this looks like a clear hint at a new product.
One of the best photos of the new headphones
New Beats Headphones Spotted on FIFA World Cup 2026 Players
The first trace appeared back on May 23. In the U.S. FCC database, wireless over-ear headphones with model number A3577 surfaced. The brand wasn’t listed in the filing, so initially there was speculation about whether these were new AirPods or something from Beats. Any wireless device must pass this certification before going on sale in the U.S., so the conclusion was obvious: the release is near.
This is how Lamine Yamal showed up at Spain’s national team training camp
A week later, everything fell into place. Lamine Yamal posted photos and videos showing him arriving at Spain’s national team training camp with a pair of pink over-ear headphones. The signature “b” logo was clearly visible on the housing, so the brand question was settled. A couple of days later, Yamal also showed a second color in his stories — a light ivory shade.
Then other players picked up the baton. In fresh photos, U.S. national team defender Antonee Robinson and South Korea midfielder Lee Kang-in were spotted wearing the same model. The headphones are positioned so prominently in the shots that it can’t be called a coincidence. Beats has long teased products through athletes and musicians.
How the New Beats Differ from AirPods Max
The main thing that catches the eye: the new model looks much lighter and simpler than the bulky AirPods Max. Apple’s flagship was released back in 2020 with a heavy aluminum body and has barely changed since then. Here, the design has been noticeably reworked with an emphasis on airiness.
The headband is surprisingly thin for Beats
The most revealing shot belongs to Lee Kang-in, showing the most details. The headband features round tubular telescoping arms instead of the wide flat band found on AirPods Max. The drivers themselves look like thin flat discs, with sensors, a USB-C port, and control buttons placed along the edge. The ear cushions, on the other hand, are very bulky — at least four times thicker than the driver section.
That said, you can’t call these headphones small
Most likely, some of the internals are hidden inside the cushions, which represents a fundamentally different approach to weight distribution compared to AirPods Max. If the new model is indeed aimed above the base models, it’s positioned closer to the premium AirPods Max than to the budget Beats Solo 4. Some outlets have already dubbed the new product the Beats Studio Pro 2, but there is no official name yet.
What Colors Will the New Beats Headphones Come In
This is where things get really interesting. Each player has their own colorway, and it’s not just different tones but different combinations. Yamal’s headphones are soft pink. Lee Kang-in has a white body with lime-green ear cushions. Robinson has a white top and dark blue cushions.
There will be many color options
For Beats, this is a completely uncharacteristic approach. Previously, the brand almost always colored headphones entirely in one shade, without contrasting accents. If what the footballers are wearing reflects the final consumer versions, the conclusion is simple: users will be able to mix and match the headband and ear cushions to their liking. Essentially, this hints at replaceable cushions or at least an expanded made-to-order color palette.
This sounds like a reasonable response to audience demands. Over-ear headphones are worn in plain sight, and the ability to choose a combination that matches your style is sometimes more important than any line in the spec sheet.
When Will Apple Unveil the New Beats Headphones
There’s no exact date, but all indirect signs point to the coming weeks. The model has already passed FCC certification, which is the last major barrier before sales begin. At the same time, Beats is distributing devices to key figures and literally flooding social media with photos from the tournament. This is exactly how the brand behaves right before a launch, not six months ahead of it.
Are you looking forward to the new headphones?
Among the open questions, almost everything important remains: price, battery life, spatial audio and noise cancellation support, as well as features like live translation. So far, the only known facts are that the model passed certification in May and is actively appearing at the World Cup. As soon as official details emerge, we’ll put together a full breakdown of the specifications.
