Apple has brought USB-C charging capabilities to the second-generation AirPods Pro, and for the first time, the new case can be charged by the iPhone.
New USB-C AirPods Pro charging case
While the AirPods Pro didn't receive a refresh at this year's iPhone 15 event, the second-generation AirPods Pro case did.
AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C
Like the iPhone 15 lineup, the AirPods Pro charging case now features a USB-C port rather than Apple's proprietary Lightning connector. The new USB-C port simplifies charging, and the iPhone 15 lineup can charge AirPods directly.
Apple mentioned a few new features with the updated AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C, but isn't clear about which devices get these features specifically. The case has an actual dust rating now, instead of "X," it's IP54, and it gained USB-C.
But in the same statement, Apple says AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C gets Lossless audio when connected to Apple Vision Pro. It is related to the H2 processor, which is in the Lightning version of the AirPods Pro 2 also, so it doesn't seem likely that the Lossless feature would be limited to the new USB-C case.
AppleInsider has reached out to Apple for confirmation of the new feature set.
Currently, there is no way to order the case alone. However, those who are looking to upgrade to the second-generation AirPods Pro can do so starting September 12 for $249 on Amazon.
The AirPods Pro will be available in stores and begin shipping to customers who ordered the upgraded version online on Friday, September 22.
Apple is also selling a USB-C version of its wired EarPods, designed to work with the new iPhone 15 lineup, for $19.