The AirPods Pro 2 are finally getting USB-C – but not a lot else

Apple has confirmed that its AirPods Pro 2 wireless earbuds will now come with a USB-C charging case, replacing the old case with a Lightning connector.

As revealed during the company’s annual Apple Event on 12th September, AirPods Pro 2 users will be able to get their hands on a USB-C charging case in the near future and we hope that this new feature will carry over to future models. However, for now, Apple has only confirmed the change for the AirPods Pro 2.

The move was rumoured to be on the cards for the last few months and was announced alongside the inclusion of USB-C on the newly-launched iPhone 15.

The change follows pressure from EU regulators for Apple to fall into line with the increasing majority of consumer technology products and do away with its proprietary connection in favour of the more common USB-C. 

What's the upside for consumers? Fewer cables, hopefully, and less material waste in the long run. 

There could also be a hi-res audio upside to the addition of USB-C, though we will have to wait until we have our hands on the new AirPods before we can be sure of that.

Sadly there was no other audio news at the event. Despite pre-event rumours Apple didn't so much as mention the AirPods Max 2, AirPods 4 or AirPods Lite during the iPhone 15 launch event.

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All the details on the iPhone 15

Why the iPhone 15's USB-C switch spells good news for hi-res audio adoption

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