Apple will launch a new pair of AirPods 2 equipped with USB-C charging later this year, according to an analyst. Ming-Chi Kuo tweeted that the USB-C equipped AirPods Pro will launch late this year or early 2024 via MacRumors (opens in new tab).
I think this is likely the USB-C version of the AirPods Pro 2, with mass shipments expected in 2Q23-3Q23. By the way, Apple doesn’t seem to have any plans for USB-C versions of the AirPods 2 & 3 at the moment. Learn more about AirPods Pro… https://t.co/aWKJvGh1lWMarch 24, 2023
Kuo noticed references to new AirPods in the source code of the iOS 16.4 beta released last week. He thinks this refers to the USB-C version of the AirPods Pro 2.
It is not known whether Apple will make any other changes to a new part of AirPods Pro. Launched in September 2022, the AirPods Pro 2, like all current models of in-ear AirPods, come with a charging case with a Lightning port. Lightning is Apple’s proprietary connection used on its accessories and iPhones, and some iPad models. But not for long.
From the end of next year, new EU legislation will ensure that all manufacturers of smartphones, tablets and other portable electronic devices use USB-C as standard. It is hoped that this will reduce electrical waste and be more convenient for consumers. Apple has previously said it has no choice but to abide by the law, although there is some doubt that the UK government will pass a similar law since the UK left the EU.
Apple already uses USB-C for some iPad models. The iPhone 15 is predicted to have a USB-C port instead of Lightning for later this year.
So can we see new models of the existing AirPods with USB-C instead of Lightning connectors? Kuo thinks not. Rather, he thinks Apple will wait until it launches a new model of AirPods before adopting USB-C.
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