Apple's rumoured new headset, the AirPods Studio, will reportedly use the U1 chip to give it features like determining how the headphones will be worn. Prominent leaker L0vetodream shared in a series of tweets that these long-rumoured headphones will use the U1 processor, which Apple uses for Ultra Wideband communications for spatially-aware functionality (like better device detection for AirDrop on the iPhone 11).
Used with the AirPods Studio, it can help the headphones "automatically recognize the left and right positioning of the headset." It means you don't have to check if you have the right earcup on the right ear as the headphones can switch the audio channels around, making sure the left channel always goes into the left ear, and the right channel goes into the right ear.
The AirPods Studio will depart from the existing AirPods, but it will feature standard features like Active Noise Cancellation. It will reportedly have square-ish earcups and a wide headband. Pricing is rumoured to be around US$350 (approx. CA$462)
The U1 chip will also supposedly play a big part in Apple's overall ecosystem since it can help determine distance and direction. Apple has described the U1 chip to "enable short-range wireless location to support new experiences, such as next-generation digital car keys."
Source: MacRumors + Apple Insider