FiiO is continuing to embrace the revival of physical music formats with a new portable cassette player, although it is not the model the company originally intended to launch next.

The audio brand has revealed the CP11, a retro-inspired portable cassette player equipped with modern features including Bluetooth connectivity.

FiiO had initially planned to introduce the CP15 as its next cassette player, but development has been delayed because of difficulties getting its new ultra-thin tape-loading mechanism to work as intended.

Rather than waiting for those issues to be resolved, FiiO has changed its release plans and will bring the CP11 to market instead.

Despite effectively filling the gap created by the CP15 delay, the CP11 will incorporate several new components of its own. FiiO says the player will use an all-new ultra-thin mechanism together with a higher-quality magnetic head.

It will also feature a brushless motor and redesigned circuitry, suggesting the company is putting more emphasis on playback performance than simply recreating the appearance of portable cassette players from previous decades.

One of the biggest differences compared with vintage cassette hardware will be Bluetooth. The wireless connection will allow users to listen to tapes through compatible Bluetooth headphones and earbuds rather than relying exclusively on a wired connection.

Images released by FiiO show the CP11 in at least three finishes, including red, beige-cream and light turquoise blue. Its styling draws heavily on the portable cassette players that became popular during the 1980s and 1990s.

The CP11 is not FiiO’s first attempt to capitalise on renewed interest in physical music. The company has previously introduced the CM13 cassette player as well as the portable DM13 CD player, combining retro formats with newer hardware and connectivity.

Cassette tapes remain considerably more niche than vinyl, but renewed interest in analogue and physical media has encouraged audio manufacturers to revisit products that largely disappeared following the arrival of portable digital music players and streaming services.

FiiO has not yet announced pricing, availability or an Australian release date for the CP11. Further details are expected closer to launch.

The more ambitious CP15 has not been cancelled, with its release instead delayed while FiiO continues working on its loading mechanism. For now, the CP11 will become the company’s next addition to its growing range of modernised retro audio products.