Yes, the cords on the new N40 are detachable. You can remove the cords from the top of the stainless steel earbud housing. Please make sure that you attach the left cord to the left ear plug and the right cord to the right earbud. You will see a red dot indicator for Right and and blue dot indicator for Left on the cable. There are two detachable cables provided. One detachable straight cable and one detachable 3 button microphone cable.