These earbuds don't just play music — they smell like your favourite perfume

HONOR has launched the Choice Doingtop Perfume Earbuds in the UAE, in collaboration with the Emirati perfume house Arcadia. According to HONOR's announcement, the earbuds merge premium audio with personalised fragrance, targeting tech-chic trendsetters who want their gadgets to smell as good as they sound.

How the perfume earbuds actually work

The concept sounds gimmicky until you understand the execution. The earbuds themselves house the fragrance mechanism — though HONOR hasn't detailed exactly how the scent is released or how long it lasts. We know that customers receive a voucher upon purchase for a visit to Arcadia's boutique in Dar Wasl, Dubai.

There, they select their preferred fragrance and receive a complimentary 4-5ml refill. It's positioned as a 'curated sensory experience' rather than a quick top-up, which suggests this isn't a five-minute process. The refill journey reinforces the luxury positioning, though it does mean you can't just order replacement scent cartridges online.

Design inspired by luxury perfume bottles

HONOR has designed these earbuds to look like miniature luxury perfume bottles — sleek, refined, and meant to be seen. This isn't about hiding your earbuds; it's about showing them off as a fashion accessory. The approach makes sense given the target audience of 'tech-chic trendsetters' who value aesthetics alongside functionality.

The design philosophy represents a shift in wearable technology — from purely utilitarian devices to fashion-forward accessories that reflect personal style. Whether this translates to comfortable daily wear remains to be seen.

Arcadia partnership brings local craftsmanship

The collaboration with Arcadia, founded by Amna Al Habtoor, adds legitimate fragrance expertise to what could have been a tech company's amateur attempt at perfumery. Arcadia is known for 'sensory storytelling through scent,' suggesting the fragrance options will be more sophisticated than generic floral or citrus scents.

This partnership positions the earbuds as a bridge between cutting-edge technology and Emirati craftsmanship. For a market like the UAE, which values luxury and local heritage, it's a smart positioning choice — provided the execution matches the concept.

Target audience and gifting potential

HONOR specifically targets fragrance lovers, lifestyle-focused consumers, and those seeking distinctive gifting options. The Valentine's Day mention in their announcement isn't subtle — these are positioned as premium gifts for people who have everything else.

The question is whether there's enough overlap between serious audio enthusiasts and fragrance lovers to sustain a product category. Early adoption will likely come from novelty seekers and gift buyers rather than people replacing their best headphones with perfumed alternatives.

HONOR Choice Perfume Earbuds UAE pricing and availability

HONOR hasn't announced UAE pricing for the Choice Doingtop Perfume Earbuds, nor has it named any specific retailers beyond the Arcadia boutique partnership for fragrance refills. The company has confirmed rising popularity in the UAE but hasn't provided launch dates or where to actually buy them.

The refill experience is exclusive to Arcadia's Dar Wasl location, meaning Dubai residents get the full experience, while others in the UAE may miss out on the curated fragrance selection. This geographic limitation could affect the product's broader appeal in the UAE.

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