Gurman: Apple to Release USB-C AirPods Pro Case, Likely Alongside iPhone 15 Launch

[MacRumors]

Apple is likely to release a USB-C charging case for AirPods Pro alongside the launch of the iPhone 15 lineup this fall, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

Writing in his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman said the shift was in line with the same switch from Lightning to USB-C that is expected to happen across the iPhone 15 series this year.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported in March that Apple would release a second-generation AirPods Pro with a USB-C charging case later this year. Kuo said it was unclear if any other hardware changes are planned for AirPods Pro in 2023. Gurman's report suggests not.

Meanwhile on the software side, Gurman said Apple is developing a new hearing test feature for AirPods Pro that is designed to detect possible hearing issues. The new hearing test feature, which is coming in addition to other AirPods features arriving as part of iOS 17, will "play different tones and sounds to allow the AirPods to determine how well a person can hear," said the Bloomberg reporter.

Looking further ahead, Gurman also reiterated previous rumors that Apple is working on developing additional health sensors for future generations of AirPods. One is the ability to read body temperature from the ear canal, a method believed to be more accurate than reading temperature from the wrist, which is what Apple Watch Series 8 and Ultra models do while users sleep.

Separately, Gurman says Apple is exploring how it could better position AirPods as a hearing aid by building on existing features like Conversation Boost and Live Listen. Neither feature has regulatory approval yet, but the FDA last year eased hearing aid purchase rules, which has reportedly spurred Apple to hire engineers from traditional hearing aid makers and take advantage of the opening in the market.

Article Link: Gurman: Apple to Release USB-C AirPods Pro Case, Likely Alongside iPhone 15 Launch

 

[Radeon85]

Only a few years late.

 

[t0rqx]

If you cannot innovate anymore, for whatever reason, search for innovation in refinements and quality. Things are being tossed out but there is so much to improve to make the products just as appealing as if you made a one time innovation.

 

[spazzcat]

Only a few years late.

You still plug them in; I can't remember when I didn't use wireless to charge mine.

 

[Kylo83]

Never used charging port I only use MagSafe charging

 

[Velli]

But the real question is: How about the mouse?

 

[base08]

For all the guys saying they use the MagSafe charging exclusively, isn't that damaging the battery quicker than a normal cable? Might be a small percentage of difference, but I'm pretty sure I've read induction charging will diminish the battery life a little quicker than just using a cable...

For me the USB-C is a welcome change, but lightning was also fine for me...

 

[t0rqx]

For all the guys saying they use the MagSafe charging exclusively, isn't that damaging the battery quicker than a normal cable? Might be a small percentage of difference, but I'm pretty sure I've read induction charging will diminish the battery life a little quicker than just using a cable...

For me the USB-C is a welcome change, but lightning was also fine for me...

Yes. Wired is still the best in terms of efficient and battery health. I never use wireless charging.

 

[dantracht]

Good moves for AirPods, assuming these features come out in my lifetime. Now if they can only get them to work reliably with my Apple TVs......

 

[Kylo83]

Yes. Wired is still the best in terms of efficient and battery health. I never use wireless charging.

Doesn’t make a difference to be fair you wouldn’t even notice anything

 

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

Gurman’s crystal ball also said the air may be breathable, and there’s a chance of clouds appearing in the sky.

 

[4odomi]

Apple is likely to release a USB-C case for AirPods Pro alongside the launch of the iPhone 15 lineup this fall, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

Writing in his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman said the shift was in line with the same switch from Lightning to USB-C that is expected to happen across the iPhone 15 series this year.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported in March that Apple would release a second-generation AirPods Pro with a USB-C charging case later this year. Kuo said it was unclear if any other hardware changes are planned for AirPods Pro in 2023. Gurman's report suggests not.

Meanwhile on the software side, Gurman said Apple is developing a new hearing test feature for AirPods Pro that is designed to detect possible hearing issues. The new hearing test feature, which is coming in addition to other AirPods features coming in iOS 17, will "play different tones and sounds to allow the AirPods to determine how well a person can hear," said the Bloomberg reporter.

Looking further ahead, Gurman also reiterated previous rumors that Apple is working on developing additional health sensors for future generations of AirPods. One is the ability to read body temperature from the ear canal, a method believed to be more accurate than reading temperature from the wrist, which is what Apple Watch Series 8 and Ultra models do while users sleep.

Separately, Gurman says Apple is exploring how it could better position AirPods as a hearing aid by building on existing features like Conversation Boost and Live Listen. Neither feature has regulatory approval yet, but the FDA last year eased hearing aid purchase rules, which has reportedly spurred Apple to hire engineers from traditional hearing aid makers and take advantage of the opening in the market.

Article Link: Gurman: Apple to Release USB-C AirPods Pro Case, Likely Alongside iPhone 15 Launch

USB-C vs Lighting is a debate only relevant to a tiny minority!
I'm not bothered either way, however which ever way you spin it, the EU directive will create a lot of unnecessary e-waste 😏

 

[eduardodfj]

Good. Now, how about the magic trackpad, magic mouse and magic keyboard? Because using an outdated technology doesn't look very "magic" to me.

 

[mlody]

It will probably be 5 more years before our family is fully transitioned to USB-C, if not more.

 

[Radeon85]

You still plug them in; I can't remember when I didn't use wireless to charge mine.

I do use wireless charging but never use AirPods these days as I've been using the Powerbeats Pro for over two years as I prefer the ear hook, problem is those are lightning only for now. With the size of that case it's ridiculous it never came with wireless charging.

 

[DaveCPA]

USB-C vs Lighting is a debate only relevant to a tiny minority!
I'm not bothered either way, however which ever way you spin it, the EU directive will create a lot of unnecessary e-waste 😏

I believe you mean apples decision to implement proprietary charging created A lot of e waste.

 

[one more]

If Apple cared about the environment and e-waste as they claim they do, instead of releasing a new USB-C case they could have just released a 10$ USB-C female to Lightening male adapter. This could have solved this “problem” for all devices still using Lightening plugs.

I mean, this could be a universal one-fits-all solution, instead of making zillions of new cases for AirPods that have a 2-3 years lifespan anyway, then their built-in batteries degrade.

 

[segfaultdotorg]

I love how the EU is forcing a switch to USB-C “for the environment,” and in so doing, is basically forcing people to throw away millions of perfectly functional Lightning cables.

 

[bejib66000]

I hope they won't forget to release a black version of AirPods as well.

 

[D-a-a-n]

If you cannot innovate anymore, for whatever reason, search for innovation in refinements and quality. Things are being tossed out but there is so much to improve to make the products just as appealing as if you made a one time innovation.

They should just make the batteries replaceable, now that's innovation.

 

[TVreporter]

It will probably be 5 more years before our family is fully transitioned to USB-C, if not more.

Likewise - my wife just got a 13 and my kids are young using older iPads. I’ll be the only one with USBC when I get a new phone in the fall - jumping from an 8-plus.

Have far too many lightning cords to just completely ditch.

 

[jimothyGator]

I believe you mean apples decision to implement proprietary charging created A lot of e waste.

Shame on Apple. They really should have implement USB C two years before it was even designed.

 

[newyorksole]

For all the guys saying they use the MagSafe charging exclusively, isn't that damaging the battery quicker than a normal cable? Might be a small percentage of difference, but I'm pretty sure I've read induction charging will diminish the battery life a little quicker than just using a cable...

For me the USB-C is a welcome change, but lightning was also fine for me...

I use both, but I also upgrade my iPhone every single year and get AppleCare so the battery and every other component getting damaged “quicker” doesn’t phase me.

Ready for USB-C though!

 

[DaveCPA]

Shame on Apple. They really should have implement USB C two years before it was even designed.

TIL USBC was the first universal port.

 

[anthony13]

Apple's quest to subvertly turn us all OCD without even noticing continues. well joke's on them! I noticed a while ago and still buy things I dont need!