Apple's AirPods Pro line of wireless earbuds is set to receive a significant upgrade, losing the current Lightning port in favour of a USB-C connection.
We have heard rumours of this change happening throughout the year, and now with Apple's annual autumn launch approaching next week, it seems Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has all but confirmed the news. The change is being made in order to bring Apple in line with new EU regulations which essentially make the USB-C connection mandatory across most European member states.
Gurman does, however, highlight the concerns that Apple may have over the inevitable switch, such as millions of Lightning chargers ending up in landfill and, more worrying for Apple, a loss of royalty revenue from exclusive licenses to the Lightning port given out to third-party manufacturers. Not to mention that customers will likely have to buy (if they don't already have one) a USB-C power charging brick, even if Apple includes the cable in the box.
Still, the use of a single connection that is widespread across so many devices already should be a positive one in the long run. We imagine many brands that make third-party USB-C DACs might breathe a sigh of relief, too, with one less adapter to provide in future.
With the upcoming iPhone 15 leading the charge, it seems precedent will be set next week to allow all further Apple models to integrate USB-C charging. Clearly, the writing is on the wall: the Lightning port is dead, long live USB-C!
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