Apple is preparing to update its AirPods Pro true wireless earbuds with a new charging case that includes a USB-C port, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, Gurman claims the refreshed AirPods Pro case will switch from Lightning to USB-C when they are announced during Apple’s upcoming September 12th “Far Out” event. However, the earbuds themselves are not expected to see any hardware changes.
The move would bring the AirPods Pro in line with the upcoming iPhone 15 series, Apple iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro Features: USB-C, telephoto lens, Color, Charging, which Gurman previously reported will also transition to USB-C. Apple has been steadily adopting USB-C across its product portfolio, including on recent MacBook and iPad models.
While the AirPods Pro 2 will lack new audio hardware or sensors, Gurman says iOS 17 will bring some software-based audio improvements next year. More substantial health and hearing assistance features are said to be farther out on the roadmap.
Gurman speculates that switching to the increasingly common USB-C standard could allow Apple to lower the price of its base AirPods model over time. But for now, consumers can expect a modest charging case update for the higher-end AirPods Pro later this month.
As USB-C reaches critical mass, even on Apple devices, pricing on lower-end AirPods is likely to come down over time. But for now, the AirPods Pro case update provides just a small taste of USB-C integration.
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