AirPods Pro 2 rumored to get Apple's first USB-C charging case

According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple will only release a USB-C case for the AirPods Pro 2 and not for other versions.

The company recently issued the release candidate version of iOS 16.4 and other operating systems. The code suggested that new AirPods are on the way with the model number A3048, and a new AirPods case numbered A2968.

On Friday, Kuo tweeted that it likely refers to a USB-C version of the second-generation AirPods Pro, with mass shipments expected in the second to third quarter. However, he added that Apple has no current plans for USB-C versions of the AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 generations.

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 currently appears to have no plans for USB-C versions of the AirPods 2 & 3.

AirPods Pro https://t.co/aWKJvGh1lW
— (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) March 24, 2023

The switch to a USB-C port is due to rules from the European Union that requires Apple and other companies to use USB-C in their devices by 2024. Apple includes the port in newer Macs and iPads, but not the iPhone with its Lightning port.

Specific iPhone 15 models may include a USB-C port, but Apple doesn't technically have to comply until December 28, 2024. But iPhones must have the port starting with the iPhone 17.

20 Comments

jeffythequick 269 comments · 6 Years

About 1 year ago

aaplfanboy said:

My Beats ‘AirPods’ had USB charging 2 years ago. It’s not rocket science - or that interesting.

You’re right; it’s Socket Science!

Seriously, though, it’s time to ditch Lightning. It’s had a good run, but it’s time to move on, until the next great idea.

The duplicate charging cables alone is worth the switch. My iPad has had USB-C since 2021, and unless it’s $50 for the connector, and will add significantly to the price, I’m good with carrying around one cable for the iPad, AirPods, iPhone, and my work phone (iPhone, Android, whatever they give me next year).

clexman 216 comments · 15 Years

About 1 year ago

I could have told you this.

When the Apple TV remote came out with USB C and no other changes, it was a clear signal that no new Apple accessories will ever be released with lightning ever again.

badmonk 1332 comments · 11 Years

About 1 year ago

I still have concerns about the repetition reliability for usb-c over the simple male into female design of lightning, especially when the primary function of the port is charging. Unlike computers, where the primary use is data transfer, for things like phones, remotes, personal devices, the main use for cables is simple charging.

But of course, I am sure the bureaucrats of the EU have thought this over carefully (S).