Bowers & Wilkins Introduces Lightning-Equipped Zeppelin Air and Z2 Speaker Docks With AirPlay - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

Bowers & Wilkins Introduces Lightning-Equipped Zeppelin Air and Z2 Speaker Docks With AirPlay

by

TechCrunch notes that high-end audio firm Bowers & Wilkins has introduced its first two Lightning-equipped speaker docks for iPhone 5 owners, with both the Zeppelin Air and Z2 also supporting AirPlay wireless music streaming from iOS devices.

zeppelin_air_lightning

Zeppelin Air

The new Zeppelin Air is essentially a Lightning version of the company's original Zeppelin Air wireless speaker with 30-pin dock connector, which Apple has carried in its stores for some time. The new version with Lightning connector will begin shipping in May and be priced at $599.

bowers_z2

Z2

The Z2 offers a more compact design intended for bedrooms, bathrooms, and other smaller spaces but supporting the same Lightning dock and AirPlay capabilities as the larger Zeppelin Air. The Z2 will be priced at $399 with a black version launching next month and a white version following in June.

Top Rated Comments

171 months ago
These systems NOT worth their money for their sound quality, the lack of split speakers is one reason.

There only advantage I've ever found is that as you turn up the volume on these units it's handled quite a bit better than on a $70 speaker system. Sound quality is not necessarily 6 or 7 times better for 6 or 7 times the price though.

If you're into magically good sound and love your music DO NOT be fooled into purchasing these systems for those ends. This is nothing more than a piece of aural furniture.

Without doubt, if you have the space and want to fill it with separated speakers and wires then I am sure you'd get better sound. That is not what these units are about. If you want a small factor that need only have one (power) cable then they are great.

Cheaper speakers, in my opinion, do not have the richness and tones of the better quality ones.

Everyone to their own.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
171 months ago
I have a B&W A5 and the sound reproduction is without the best I have heard. I previously owned a Sonos Play 5 and the A5 is much better, to the extent I have reripped all my CDs to a higher quality. The music fills a large space.

As they claim, the A2 is for smaller spaces and I'd imagine it will do it excellently.

You tend to get what you pay for.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Koodauw Avatar
171 months ago
Nice updates. I think the Z2 will get some consideration from me.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iOS 27 on iPhone 17 1

iOS 27 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Saturday May 2, 2026 8:43 am PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil iOS 27 during its WWDC 2026 keynote on June 8, and there are already many rumored features and changes for iPhones. The first developer beta of iOS 27 will likely be available immediately following the keynote, and a public beta typically follows in July. Following beta testing, the software update should be released to all users with a compatible iPhone in...
Apple Event Logo

Apple Just Released a New Accessory

Monday May 4, 2026 8:13 am PDT by
Apple today released a new Pride Edition Sport Loop for the Apple Watch. The band features a rainbow design with 11 colors of woven nylon yarns. The new Pride Edition Sport Loop is available to order now on Apple.com and in the Apple Store app in 40mm, 42mm, and 46mm sizes, and it will be available at Apple Store locations starting later this week. In the U.S., the band costs $49. There...
Apple Announces 2026 Pride Band Watch Face and iPhone Wallpaper Article 2

iOS 26.5 Coming Soon With These New Features

Monday May 4, 2026 8:40 am PDT by
iOS 26.5 is expected to be released next week, following more than a month of beta testing. The update is relatively minor, but there are a couple of new features and changes across the operating system that we have recapped below. iOS 26.5 lays the groundwork for end-to-end encryption for RCS in the Messages app and ads in the Apple Maps app, and it will include a new Pride wallpaper and a...
Related Apple News: Sport | News | Ipad | Reviews | Opinion