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Beats' new chargers are optimized for iPhone and Android - and they're more stylish than Apple's

Beats announces another foray into mobile accessories, releasing a collection of charging cords full of color, style, and compatibility with almost any mobile device.
Written by Allison Jewell, Associate Editor
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Beats/ZDNET

Beats may be best known for its headphones, earbuds, and Bluetooth speakers, but the company, owned by Apple, has announced another line of mobile accessories. Today, Beats debuted its new Beats Cables, offering colorful yet practical options for both Apple and Android devices.

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Beats Cables aren't Beats' first foray into mobile accessories. Last year, Beats' line of iPhone cases replaced Apple's FineWoven cases. However, unlike Beats phone cases, Beats Cables deliver full compatibility with iPhones, iPads, Android devices, and select Beats headphones and speakers.

The Beats Cables sport a woven design to discourage tangles and provide extra durability from frays and rips. The charging cables are available in three configurations: USB-C to USB-C, USB-A to USB-C, and USB-C to Lightning, and each option is available in 1.5m or 20cm lengths.

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The USB-C to USB-C cable is designed for Apple and Android devices to charge, sync, stream lossless audio, transfer data, and connect to Apple CarPlay, with charging speeds up to 60 watts and data transfer rates up to USB 2.0 with compatible hardware. 

The USB-A to USB-C cable works with CarPlay, charging, syncing, and transferring data with select iPhone and iPad models, reaching up to 15 watts of fast charging and USB 2.0 rates. 

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Jada Jones/ZDNET

The USB-C to Lightning cable is compatible with iPad OS and iOS devices with a Lightning port for charging, syncing, and Apple CarPlay, offering fast charging on select iOS models. 

The Beats Cables are available in four colorways: Bolt Black, Surge Stone, Nitro Navy, and Rapid Red. However, Nitro Navy is only available in USB-C to USB-C. Rapid Red will be released this summer in USB-A to USB-C (1.5 m) and USB-C to Lightning (1.5 m).

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You can also purchase two-pack cords of USB-C to USB-C or USB-A to USB-C, only in Bold Black, at 1.5m in length. 

The new Beats Cables are available on Apple's online store beginning today, and physical units will be on shelves beginning April 17. Singular Beats Cords in 1.5m and 20cm lengths retail for $18.99, and two-pack cords retail for $34.99.

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