Noble Audio launches $699 FoKus Apollo Pro headset in limited run
The new Pro variant retails for $699 globally, building on the original $649 model with premium finishes and refined acoustics while retaining the same hybrid driver architecture and Qualcomm chipset.
Noble Audio is set to release the FoKus Apollo Pro headset globally later this week, marking a premium iteration of its existing flagship model. The new device carries a retail price of $699, representing a $50 increase over the original FoKus Apollo, which launched at $649. In a market where headphones exceeding the $500 threshold are uncommon, the Pro model positions itself as a high-end option for discerning listeners.
The primary differentiators for the Pro model lie in its construction and acoustic refinement rather than a complete technological overhaul. Noble has updated the acoustic tuning and incorporated higher-grade materials, including improved fabric, cabling, and metal accents. The ear cups have also been redesigned to enhance user comfort. These changes build upon the original model’s reputation for robust build quality, aiming to deliver a more luxurious physical experience.
Under the hood, the headset retains the hybrid driver technology found in its predecessor, combining a dynamic driver for bass response with a planar magnetic driver for clarity and detail. This architecture was central to the original model’s success, with reviewers noting that Noble largely achieved its objective of delivering exceptional sound quality. The Pro model leverages the same Qualcomm QCC3084 chipset, ensuring that the core audio performance remains consistent with the established baseline.
Despite the price premium, the Pro model does not introduce new connectivity or smart features that had been anticipated by critics. Previous assessments of the original headset highlighted underwhelming active noise cancellation performance, and the Pro version offers no upgrades in this area. Furthermore, capabilities such as wear detection and spatial audio support are not included, nor is there any mention of improved noise cancellation technology in the product specifications.
Noble Audio has described the FoKus Apollo Pro as a limited-run device, though the company has not disclosed specific production volumes. The release follows a period of critical evaluation of the original model, where concerns were raised regarding the lack of new features and the performance of the active noise cancellation. By focusing on materials and tuning rather than feature expansion, Noble appears to be targeting a niche segment of the audiophile market that prioritises acoustic purity and build quality over connectivity innovations.
