But even if we migrate to USB4 it will act as a USB-C connection, so Apple doesn’t need to use something else for a very long time. That in itself is environmentally friendly.
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Apple Reportedly Not Planning to Release USB-C Version of AirPods 3
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Before dropping $199 (Target) on new APPg2, I searched the web and found reference to a static problem reportedly with APPg1, and how to get them serviced.
I chatted with Apple, they had me go through the SN, firmware version, reset to factory settings, making sure iP was compatible, iOS updated ...... all good.
I was told I could send them back to Apple for repair. Nice, save $199! Boom.
Then I was told it would be $252.50 to have them serviced. Uhhm, really? Out of warranty they said. Seems that if there is a known issue, it should be handled in or out of warranty I said.
Anyone else have this static problem and what was the resolution? Could I have done more? Did I let them off too easy? 🤷♂️
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My understanding is that Apple is expected to transition all their products to usb-c by early 2024.
In this context, it makes sense for the AirPods Pro 2 case to sport a usb-c port eventually. Given that it was released in Sep 2022, we can expect the next refresh to be another 2-2.5 years away, so Sep 2024 earliest, which would be way past the EU's deadline. My guess is that somewhere in September or October, AirPods Pro 2 will ship with their case sporting a usb-c port. Apple will also make the standalone case available for sale for users who wish to benefit from said port, but have no desire to replace their AirPods Pro altogether.
Conversely, that the AirPods 3 isn't getting one suggest that it will be updated to the AirPods 4 sometime before the deadline. It was released in Sep 2021, so as long as Apple refreshes it by March 2024, they are good to go.
This also implies that since the last Apple TV remote comes with a usb-c port as well, Apple likely has no plans to refresh it before Mid-2024. So it's likely on a 2-year refresh cadence as well.
I also wonder if the reason we haven't seen usb-c variations of the Magic Keyboard, mouse and trackpad is because Apple is waiting to announce them alongside a refreshed iMac?
As I put two and two together, I am actually quite surprised that we need two separate threads for what is likely a very simply business and logistical decision on Apple's part.
In this context, it makes sense for the AirPods Pro 2 case to sport a usb-c port eventually. Given that it was released in Sep 2022, we can expect the next refresh to be another 2-2.5 years away, so Sep 2024 earliest, which would be way past the EU's deadline. My guess is that somewhere in September or October, AirPods Pro 2 will ship with their case sporting a usb-c port. Apple will also make the standalone case available for sale for users who wish to benefit from said port, but have no desire to replace their AirPods Pro altogether.
Conversely, that the AirPods 3 isn't getting one suggest that it will be updated to the AirPods 4 sometime before the deadline. It was released in Sep 2021, so as long as Apple refreshes it by March 2024, they are good to go.
This also implies that since the last Apple TV remote comes with a usb-c port as well, Apple likely has no plans to refresh it before Mid-2024. So it's likely on a 2-year refresh cadence as well.
I also wonder if the reason we haven't seen usb-c variations of the Magic Keyboard, mouse and trackpad is because Apple is waiting to announce them alongside a refreshed iMac?
As I put two and two together, I am actually quite surprised that we need two separate threads for what is likely a very simply business and logistical decision on Apple's part.
Takes a Lightning cable to charge the new Apple keyboard for my Mac Studio. Som. that means some of the old USB-A chargers can hang around for the two keyboards.... and my iPhone 13 mini, my last of the iPods, and various ear pods.
I still have new unused Firewire 400 and 800 chargers for some older gear. Many of the older portable battery units still use Lightning to charge as that u=is what they came with to charge.
Heck the first generation Apple Pencil is Lightning connectors.
I still have new unused Firewire 400 and 800 chargers for some older gear. Many of the older portable battery units still use Lightning to charge as that u=is what they came with to charge.
Heck the first generation Apple Pencil is Lightning connectors.
We don't know what the next 10 years will look like. USB-C type connector could be replaced with no connector. There are discussion points to be made on all sides.
I had the crackling sound in one earbud twice, with Apple replacing the malfunctioning bud the first time. The second instance happened last month and when I chatted with a service rep, they also quoted the $252 repair since I didn't have AppleCare on these buds(received as a Christmas gift in 2019). I ended up driving down to my nearest Apple store and just bought a set of AirPods Pro 2.
I'd already gone through the usual process of cleaning pods of gunk and still had the crackling sounds which I think has something to do with the mics associated with the automatic noise cancellation. I believe it was a certain batch of AirPods Pro 1 that was affected and there was a free replacement program, which I had apparently used the first time. I figured it wasn't worth the time to ship the Airpods off, wait a week, and get the eventual notification that it was going to cost x-amount of dollars to replace. I use my Airpods daily so I figured it was just time to replace them.
Edit: Here is that replacement program which has likely lapsed: https://www.macrumors.com/2021/10/13/apple-extends-airpods-pro-repair-program/
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Expecting IOS to work more like MacOS that will be tough act to achieve, but who knows ten years from now.
I think we see things a bit differently. My thinking -
USB C is no different than SCSI, serial, VGA 9 pin, IDE, SATA, eSATA, and so on...cables change over time and some fully disappear. However, the longevity of certain cables is clear and USB is likely to be one of them. Older USB cables still work with items such as keyboards and mice. It is more about the longevity of devices that use USB C and their speed/communication requirements for end-to-end connections.
One can switch to USB C and simply put an adapter on a lightning cable.
Lightning will become a stain on Apple for many of years. They should be tasked with all of the environmental cleanup as a result of doubling the cables in half of households in the US. It was beyond reckless to keep this up past about the iPhone X era.
They can all be used to charge which is the point. It just is more environmentally friendly overall.
But, that "everybody who has a ton of Lightning cables" (who may be a hardcore Apple fan) must already own a few USB-C too for their iPads and/or Macbooks, don't you think?
If thats your stance then everyone else should be tasked with the environmental cleanup of old "common standards" like Mini-USB, Micro-USB, etc. cables and devices. The industry used a variety of "standards", and still does with some things, in the decade that Apple has stuck with a single port design; you can still buy Micro-USB peripherals and phones. Not to mention the industry was using USB-B and Micro-US-B on its peripherals and drives.
Remember several years ago when there was a push for Apple to change from Lighting to Micro-USB?
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I only use wireless charging anyway, for these accessories. The real question is when are the new AirPods Max with USB-C dropping? And will they have improvements for lossless audio?
A move that could be good in 10 years but is definitively terrible now, is not a good move.
Yeah, it’s clearly an environmentally unfriendly move in the short run and imo probably in the long run.
The companies should not be throwing mere pennies at the environment as an afterthought. Every cable they put out there, they should pay in spades to get back, especially given the fact that they’re charging $19-$29 for them!!!!!!!
I’m not blaming Apple’s attempt to innovate, but the difference here is that they never intended to change the standard broadly to begin with (which would have had a potential environmental benefit). They half-closed the standard through MFi program (because they knew they couldn’t close it all the way). No one did that for Micro-USB. One could argue that MFi was in part to reduce production of cheap knock-offs and limit the environmental impact to begin with, but that would only go so far logically as what did they do for the impacts of the supply they did make?
Shouldn’t their profit be the last thing they get to reap just as soon as they clean up what they put out? Otherwise, this is just a race to destroy the planet without any crumb of exaggeration. We have plastics combining with organic rocks in the ocean right now. What could be more horrific than a dystopian eWaste planet with everyone having their brain chips implanted? I mean, my God. What’s happening here is indefensible and just taking a massive 💩 all over what is freely given to us. These losers (Apple) can pay up. Please don’t be a sycophant for them in any way. The conversation is always about the environment because we will have nothing without it. If this is “political” and the trolls are going to report this, just remember that you tried to silence the people who cared about this issue when you’re unearthing Lightning cables instead of shells on the beach in 20 years.