Are we going to be seeing Beats by Apple ear pods in Apple stores soon?
According to Forbes, if the rumors are true, then Dr. Dre could indeed be a very rich man. Who knew a rapper could own a brand that would go on and be worth about $3.2 billion? Yes, that's the figure involved in the alleged buyout by the iPhone maker, and it could be "Apple's largest acquisition to date."
"The deal could be announced as early as next week, people familiar with the negotiations said, but they cautioned that some details had yet to be agreed and talks could still fall apart," The Financial Times reported. "A deal on the scale being discussed would represent a radical departure for Tim Cook, chief executive of the iPhone maker: under the late Steve Jobs, Apple was reluctant to pursue high-profile acquisitions."
If anything, acquisitions could be Cook's way of infusing Apple with new blood and inspirations, which could help the company churn out innovative products.
"Apple executives have admitted that its brand is in need of a revamp. Internal emails released during its recent patent trial with Samsung showed that its marketing chief Phil Schiller considered changing Apple's ad agency after the success of its Korean rival's 'next big thing' campaign," FT said.
This impending acquisition invites speculations from tech industry pundits on what Apple will do or produce as a result of the buyout.
"As part of the deal, Apple would acquire both the company's audio hardware and streaming service," Mashable noted. "Beats could provide Apple with additional talent and resources for designing hardware like wearable devices. The deal could be also useful in helping Apple to improve iTunes and iTunes Radio in particular, and better adapt as consumers shift from downloads to streaming."
Reps for Apple and Beats did not issue a statement or comment about the reports as of press time.
Do you think Apple buying Beats Electronics is a wise move?