Some recent reports have caused confusion about whether key features of the new 2nd generation AirPods Pro are exclusive to the USB-C case model or shared with the current Lightning case version. Let’s set the facts straight.
To be clear – the Lightning and USB-C case models of the AirPods Pro 2 released in 2022 have identical functionality, minus one exception. The only difference is that lossless audio support USB-C on the Vision Pro headset coming in.
Apple to Update AirPods Pro Charging Case to USB-C, Leave Earbuds Unchanged
In a X tweet, Gurman revealed that “The software and functionality of 2nd generation AirPods Pro sold with the Lightning case and the USB-C case are 100% identical.”
All other software capabilities like Personalized Spatial Audio, touch controls, Find My, adaptive transparency, and more are present on both Lightning and USB-C AirPods Pro 2 pairs. The hardware, sound quality, and core experience are unchanged outside of the charging case port.
Some reports have incorrectly positioned new firmware updates exclusive features only for the USB-C case, this is false – any new software features will arrive across both existing Lightning and USB-C AirPods Pro 2 via firmware updates.
The same goes for the recently announced increased battery life and extra ear tips, USB-C Charging Finally Arrives for AirPods Pro, But Upgraders Beware. Those are general product improvements, not something unique to one particular model.
Rest assured that those who already purchased the excellent AirPods Pro 2 won’t miss out on anything apart from lossless high-resolution audio via the USB-C on the Vision Pro headset coming in. Any other major capabilities will come to all 2nd gen AirPods Pro equally via software updates.
