Bang & Olufsen's new future-proof headphones are built to last for decades

Bang & Olufsen just unveiled Beoplay H100, its flagship headphones. As expected, the product promises superior sound quality and noise-cancellation technology, with 40mm custom-made titanium drivers and a novel EarSense feature that tailors sound to the wearer's unique fit in real time. But what stands out most — for this trend analyst, at least — is how the headphones have been designed for durability and longevity from the ground up.

They're crafted from materials that age well, including aluminum, glass and leather. Parts like the inner headband and earpad cushions are user-replaceable, while the product's modular construction provides service teams with easy access to internal components like batteries, drivers and circuit boards. The brand's commitment to a long lifespan extends beyond hardware; the H100 runs on a new software platform that allows upgrading over time, ensuring the headphones won't become obsolete as technology advances. When new features come out, users just update their software to get access.

As Bang & Olufsen says, "One day, we believe all headphones will be designed like this. Intuitive. Long-lasting. Modular. So you can care for and make them like new again. And again." Future-proofed quality comes at a price: the Beoplay H100 is listed for EUR 1499/USD 1,549.