Apple Launches Beats Audio Products In India Ahead Of iPhone 16 Release
Apple has officially launched Beats audio products in India, including Beats Solo Buds, Solo 4, and Pill, just weeks before the global debut of iPhone 16.
Apple has officially launched its Beats audio products in India, making them available on Apple’s website and in stores starting September 4. The launch includes four key products—Beats Solo Buds, Beats Solo 4, Beats Pill, and Beats Studio Pro—targeting India's growing market for high-quality audio devices.
Beats by Dr. Dre, founded in 2006 by music producer Jimmy Iovine and hip-hop star Dr. Dre, quickly became known for its sleek design and powerful sound. Apple acquired Beats in 2014 for $3 billion, its largest purchase to date, underscoring its commitment to premium audio. With this launch, Apple is now bringing Beats directly to Indian customers, expanding its presence in the market.
Previously, Beats products were available in India through third-party sellers, but this marks the first time they are officially sold by Apple itself. The new Beats range will compete with popular brands like Sony, known for its Ult-1 and Ult Wear series, and the WH-1000XM5 headphones, which are regarded as the industry standard for noise cancellation. They will also compete with Marshall, which has gained a strong following for its vintage-style Bluetooth speakers and headphones. However, Beats stands out for its seamless compatibility with both iOS and Android devices—something many competitors lack.
To boost the brand's visibility, Apple has teamed up with actress Ananya Pandey and cricketer Shubman Gill to promote Beats in India, leveraging their large fan followings. This approach is in line with Beats' strategy of partnering with celebrities across music, film, and sports to build a premium brand image. This strategy has been highly successful in the U.S., helping Beats gain popularity despite mixed reviews. More recently, Beats collaborated with Kim Kardashian for a line of co-branded headphones, further enhancing its appeal.
Apple’s Vice President of Apple Music and Beats, Oliver Schusser, expressed the company’s excitement: "India is a country with a rich culture and diversity driven by the youth, and we are thrilled to bring our latest premium product offerings here."
This Beats launch comes just weeks before Apple’s "Glowtime" event on September 9, where the iPhone 16 is set to be released simultaneously in India and the US. Notably, all iPhone 16 models will be made in India for the first time, reflecting Apple's growing focus on the Indian market. The event is also expected to introduce the new AirPods 4, rumoured to feature active noise cancellation, and possibly the next-generation AirPods Max with USB-C, lossless audio support, and a new case.
Apple is also planning to manufacture AirPods in India, which could lead to local production of Beats products in the future. This move is part of Apple’s broader strategy to expand its manufacturing base and strengthen its presence in India.
Beats has played a significant role in shaping Apple’s music strategy. After acquiring Beats, Apple used its technology as the foundation for Apple Music, its streaming service. Features like live radio evolved directly from Beats' original platform. Until recently, Apple Music even featured Beats 1 Radio, a global station that helped define the service’s early days.
With established brands like Sony and Marshall already dominating the market at the premium end, Beats offers a unique approach with consistent features across both iPhone and Android devices. Whether it’s dynamic head tracking on the Solo 4, or the ability to locate devices with "Find My" on iOS and "Find My Device" on Android, Beats focuses on providing a seamless user experience.
