Apple discontinues Bluetooth headset, Stereo A2DP headset to follow?

Chauncey Dupree
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March 23, 2009
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OK, file this into the "would be nice to have" or "making lemonade out of lemons" but Apple, this weekend, discontinued its mildly popular Bluetooth headset.  Bad news?  Maybe not.

We also know that the new iPhone version 3.0 software includes support for A2DP stereo Bluetooth.  So do current models of iPod touch and iPhone.  What better way for Apple to tout its new functionality than to introduce a "world's XXXXXest" stereo Bluetooth headset?  June-Julyish?

Until now, if you've wanted stereo Bluetooth on your iPhone or iPod you had to buy a third party adapter.  There are also lots of A2DP Stereo Bluetooth heasets available out there now if you want to hedge your bets..

Yeah we know other phones have had A2DP funtionality for awhile...but it will be better this time, right?

Comments (9)

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | March 23, 2009 - 8:24am

With the number of good (and almost-disposable) bluetooth headsets on the market, this seems like a market that Apple should stay away from... unless they can bring some innovation to the market.

I've had a perfectly fine experience using other 3rd party bluetooth headsets with the the Mac, the iPhone, and numerous other mobile telephones.

On the other hand, the bluetooth market is amazingly weak in terms of innovation. All of the headsets do just about the same thing, with the only variables being sound quality and case design. The Bluetooth market needs an Apple - the question is, does Apple want to be that innovator?

My guess is "no"... Apple usually introduces a replacement product when discontinuing another. That didn't happen here.

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | March 23, 2009 - 8:43am

It should be noted that the bluetooth headset has been discontinued since Saturday (3/21), not today (Monday, 3/23).

Just trying to help out.

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | March 23, 2009 - 8:48am

After the disaster that the apple Bluetooth headset has been I kinda hope apple doesn't bother with making a steel headset. I'm one of the many who bought one and gave it a horrible review on apple's site which was later deleted. Thankfully I returned it and got jawbone which is worth every penny.

As for apple usually doing something above and beyond the competition in a space they did with the apple bluetoooth headset I. The form of battery status. That seemed like selling point for me, as they'd undoubtably hoped, but nothing overcame the horrible performance in use.

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | March 23, 2009 - 9:29am

I have both Jawbones - HATE Em and I love my Apple BT it just won't sync with 3.0

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | March 23, 2009 - 10:24am

Huh. I got the Apple bluetooth on Fleabay last week for $40, and other than meager battery life it's been fine for me. Even on 3.0 beta.
I even used it going 70mph on the highway and didn't have complaints about the sound.

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | March 23, 2009 - 10:53am

You have to be kidding, that headset was the worst Apple product ever. I went through 3 of them, poor sound quality, battery was weak, just plain bad.

Finally bought a Jawbone and couldn't believe the improvement, fantastic.

If apple comes out with another headset I would wait until I could use one on a trail basis.

Mac user since '84

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | March 23, 2009 - 11:39am

I'm not saying your experience isn't true. Just that my experience was acceptable for the $40 I paid. Would not recommend paying Apple's retail price though. I have been on the bluetooth bandwagon since the REEEALLY dorky ones came out from Jabra etc a few years ago and used at least a dozen different ones including both versions of the Jawbone.
All have had a slight hiss or worse for me and Apple's was no worse. Maybe I got a bad Jawbone and a good Apple unit, I don't know. But unless something comes out with MINDBLOWING sound quality, I'll stick with the ease of charging and pocket space Apple has made available.

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | March 24, 2009 - 6:27am

just like Apple MAY introduce a new iPod Speaker system or iSight :P
and those are just off the top of my head.
I agree with the first comment.

mickerlodeon (not verified) | March 25, 2009 - 12:25am

If Apple was to release a stereo bluetooth headset I would speculate that it would be a brand new stereo wireless headset design. I have seen no indication that anyone at Apple likes wrap around headphones, since they have made nothing but earbuds, but there isn't any real logical way to build a stereo bluetooth headset that isn't wrap around. I don't see them choosing to go over the top of the head either. I'm sure Jon Ive has something up his sleeve but I can't put my finger on it yet.