AirPods Wireless Charging Case Rumored for December Launch at $69

[MacRumors]

During Tuesday's event, Apple revealed that the rumored new version of its AirPods headphones were not in fact the "AirPods 2," but simply a new inductive wireless charging case that users will be able to purchase as a replacement for their current charging cases. No release date or price was mentioned, but information reportedly sourced from Apple Switzerland (via MacPrime) [Google Translate] suggests a December launch date for the new AirPods wireless charging case, which will cost $69.

Apple's out-of-warranty fee to repair or replace the AirPods charging case is $69, so a similar price point for the wireless charging version does make some sense. The only design change made to the new charging case is the placement of the LED battery indicator light, which has migrated from the inside of the case to the outside on the front.

This way, when users place the case down on a Qi-compatible charging pad, they'll be able to see the battery level of the AirPods' case without needing to open the top. Apple will be launching its own Qi charging station -- called the AirPower mat -- sometime in 2018, but until then owners of the iPhone 8, iPhone X, and AirPods will need to purchase third-party charging pads.

In regards to the new AirPods wireless charging case, it's still unclear if Apple will offer a version that also includes the AirPods themselves at the typical $159 price tag. The original AirPods launched in December of 2016.

Article Link: AirPods Wireless Charging Case Rumored for December Launch at $69

 

[lellis2k]

Surely all new AirPods will come with the wireless charging case... surely?

 

[B.A.T]

No thank you Apple. I love my AirPods and I have chargers at work, around the house and in my car

 

[Hustler1337]

£69 just to get a wireless charging feature is ridiculous. That'll mean your total outlay on the AirPods would be £159 + £69 = £228. Insane! But then again, we already knew the price of the wireless charging case would be ridiculous anyways.

 

[andyjam]

The only design change made to the new charging case is the placement of the LED battery indicator light, which has migrated from the inside of the case to the outside on the front.

The animation also showed that the rear button has moved up to the centre of the case rather than being near the bottom (where the induction stuff will presumably be).

 

[Coconut_one]

$69 = £69 Apple exchange rate.

 

[macduke]

It's too bad that Apple Watch users with Link Bracelets, Milanese Loops, and similar bands can't easily use that AirPower mat. Otherwise I would get one!

 

[Aluminum213]

Really cheap price from Apple, color me surprised

 

[stan1028]

This should be the case that shipped with the original AirPods.

But then again, if so, people would have opened the AirPods case internals and found the future wireless charging capability.

 

[NovemberWhiskey]

We just need to know if we can buy a whole set for 159 with the new wireless charging case.

My return period is running out.

 

[Avieshek]

Bluetooth 5.0? Doesn't the Apple Watch 3 have W2 Chip? No one noticed?

 

[Xavier]

Surely all new AirPods will come with the wireless charging case... surely?

I would hope so, but don't hold your breath. If they are pushing wireless charging tech, which it seems like they are, then it seems like the logical choice, but we all know how Apple is with their accessories.

 

[lellis2k]

It's too bad that Apple Watch users with Link Bracelets, Milanese Loops, and similar bands can't easily use that AirPower mat. Otherwise I would get one!

It may work through the watch band? maybe...

 

[djeeyore25]

Will they charge if you place them on the Apple Watch charger?

 

[Derekuda]

Why do you people keep supporting apple by buying this overpriced crap!? Vote with your wallets people! That case should be no more then $15. Just like charging cables and dongles should be no more then $5.
NOONE needs wireless. It's bringing laziness to the next level. Because plugging in a cable is so hard. /s

 

[riptidewahoo]

LOL this is obscene. $159 for Airpods, $69 for this case, probably ~$99 for the AirPower mat whenever it's available. I mean, honestly, this is idiotic. I hope this crap backfires in the biggest way.

 

[Lioness~]

If we who bought AirPods recently could walk into an store and replace it for $10 I would do it.
But paying $69 for just the case...ehh

Maybe when I have lots of other wireless charging stuff.
Until then, it works fine to put the case into any iPhone/iPad dock I have, a few minutes.

 

[ArtOfWarfare]

The miracles of wireless charging!

You need:
#1 - An AC adapter that plugs into the wall.
#2 - A Lightning power cable.
#3 - A wireless charging mat.
#4 - A charging case.

So much easier than just plugging your devices into the wall.
Or, you know, any other pair of headphones that just gets power by virtue of being plugging into something else that has power.

 

[Smartass]

Apple pricing it like wireless charging is completely new tech that came out yesterday. They really went full retard with pricing lately...

 

[lellis2k]

I would hope so, but don't hold your breath. If they are pushing wireless charging tech, which it seems like they are, then it seems like the logical choice, but we all know how Apple is with their accessories.

But it's not an additional accessory, it replaces your current case, I know that's the same as watch bands but I really think this has to be included, or, possibly a slight price uplift for the Qi case, rather than having to buy both, either way, it's probably going on my xmas list, everyone who has them seems to love them.

 

[michael31986]

Can you charge two iPhones with charging pad?

 

[HarryKeogh]

The miracles of wireless charging!

You need:
#1 - An AC adapter that plugs into the wall.
#2 - A Lightning power cable.
#3 - A wireless charging mat.
#4 - A charging case.

So much easier than just plugging your devices into the wall.
Or, you know, any other pair of headphones that just gets power by virtue of being plugging into something else that has power.

and don't forget:
#5 An electrical outlet
#6 Utility service
#7 A house or apartment to install your outlet
#8 A job to pay for everything
#9 "Me Time"

 

[dannyyankou]

So it costs $69 to replace an airpod, and the case costs $69. $69+$69+$69 = $207. Ridiculous

 

[borntrouble]

I thought I could not be more speechless after their recent change towards a completely malignant price policy, but this proved me wrong. Absolutely out of words.

 

[bingeciren]

$69 = £69 Apple exchange rate.

also $69 = €69 +10 Apple Germany exchange rate. But then again most European prices are VAT inclusive, so a direct comparison just by looking at Apple Store prices could be misleading.