Apple Stores will now allow customers to test in-ear headphones before buying

Apple has always allowed customers to test over-ear headphones (Getty)

Apple will begin allowing prospective customers to test out in-ear headphones prior to purchase within Apple Stores, according to several employees. Due to sanitation concerns, Apple has been reluctant to allowing customers to try out in-ear headphones, but a new solution called Demo Kits will solve this problem. Beginning this week, when a customer is interested in purchasing in-ear headphones, an Apple Store employee will have the ability to create a custom Demo Kit that holds up to six different models of in-ear headphones. These kits will include a fresh pair ear tips and alcohol cleaning wipes so that the try on process is sanitary…

The customer will be able to keep the ear tips regardless if they purchase the headphones. The customer can then plug the headphones into their iPhone or iPod to sample the quality before making their purchase decision. Apple told employees that 51% of surveyed customers have said that they would like to test out in-ear headphones prior to purchasing, so this move will likely spur an increase of in-ear headphone sales via Apple Store. Of course, with the upcoming Bluetooth Apple Watch, Apple will market Bluetooth headphones alongside the device for music and fitness applications.

The following headphones are available to try out with Demo Kits (Apple’s prices listed, but linked to better prices at Amazon): RHA MA450i ($49.95), urBeats ($99.95), Beats Tour ($149.95),JayBird BlueBuds X ($169.95), PowerBeats 2 Wireless ($199.95), and the Bose QC20i ($299.95).