Kuo: AirPods Pro With USB-C Charging Case to Launch Later This Year

[cateye]

I personally think the lightning connector was necessary when it was introduced some 11 years ago now. It replaced the apple 30-pin connector, which was big and hard to fit on smaller devices.

The USB connector at the time lighting was introduced was USB-A, which was also fairly large and somewhat fussy in that it had to be inserted in the correct orientation. USB went on to add "mini" and "micro" connectors, but they were still single-orientation connectors that were prone to wear and damage, and the sheer number of similar, incompatible connectors was confusing. If USB-C existed back then it would have made sense for Apple to adopt it, but I think Apple did well to avoid USB in that era.

The lighting connector is easy to plug in even when you aren't looking at it, and other than occasional debris accumulation in the port the connector has been fairly reliable for a decade or so. USB-C has reached parity with lighting in terms of size, ease of use, and durability, and so I think the time is right for Apple to finally adopt the universal standard.

This is all only true if you accept a proprietary connector as a solution to the problems you indicate—a problem created by Apple's reliance on another proprietary connector, the 30-pin port. Lather, rinse, repeat. Instead of adopting or (even better) shaping the standard, they perpetuated another 10 years of physical lock-in and spurred eventual government action due to their unwillingness to give up the revenue stream that comes from MFI and the air of "exclusivity" it allowed them to present.

They may have been solving practical problems in an innovative way—no argument there—but as usual, Apple's irritating Willy Wonka marketing machine nonsense got their hands on it and now end users are left to shoulder the inconvenience.

 

[goonie4life9]

Hold on, everyone, Apple is going to do what's called a pro move. Here is the press release highlights: "Apple is thrilled to announce the all-new AirPods Pro. The original AirPods were a game-changer for fast, seamless integration. When Apple released the AirPods Pro, AirPods Pro provided the same fast, seamless integration that customers know and love while providing the best-in-class noise cancellation, innovative transparency mode, and revolutionary Spatial Audio that uses your own unique body to provide the most immersive sound experience. The AirPods Pro 2 took these features to the next level, with the most advanced AirPods processor Apple has ever released, allowing for ultra-low latency and even better battery life, and Apple's revolutionary Mag-Safe charging, allowing for the easiest wireless charging of any headphones. The ALL NEW AirPods Pro 2 take this to next level with USB-C charging, allowing for the fastest charging Apple has ever released in AirPods. Head of Apple Music, Eddie Cue, said, "Music is at the core of everything Apple does. These ALL NEW AirPods Pro 2 are the most advanced AirPods we've ever released, providing customers with the more immersive sound than they ever thought possible while providing the fastest charging, to keep the beats going all-day long."

 

[DeftwillP]

People feel their Magical and Amazing Apple products are less "special" if they use the same charging/data port that everyone else gets to use. Lightning is technically inferior in every possible way, but it's unique, and that's absolutely an emotional draw to a certain subset of the population. But we can't blame people—Apple has shaped it that way.

We don't get a standard connector, we get Apple's proprietary connector that Apple then abandons at some point in the future in order to churn adoption of some other "magical" advancement—Apple had to think fast due to the EU forcing their hand, so the rumors say we're getting spurious MFI USB-C cables. Those new to the ecosystem, or only iOS owners, won't realize that Apple has been pulling this nonsense since the 680x0 Mac days—never missing an opportunity to squeeze profit from users through proprietary connectors or, even worse, non-standard signaling across otherwise standards-compliant connectivity, then marketing that difference as a benefit. It is a marketing conceit wrapped in technological hand-waving designed to increase high-margin ancillary purchases and it's utterly shameless.

The side effect of the cognitive dissonance of people having to abandon this shaping suddenly, as in the case of Lightning versus USB-C, is strenuously telling us how they "...only use wireless charging anyway." Super looking forward to that for the next year.

It's one thing for people to have their noses upturned to others over using apple devices but the charging method....really? You think that users are so conceited that they think lightning is better since only apple users get it? Even the misdirected poster above who mentions apple kowtowing to government is probably just some libertarian wannabe who is already printing a don't tread on me flag gadsen flag with a lightning cable in lieu of a snake.

 

[TwoBytes]

I hope there are no hardware changes as I just bought the pros!

 

[Chicagoblah]

Ill just stick with my 14 yr old wired IEMs

 

[msackey]

The AirPods Pro will still be 2nd Gen. These will be AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with USB-C Charging Case.

Just like you can buy AirPods (3rd generation) with Lightning Charging Case or AirPods (3rd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case.

I see

 

[msackey]

Cool, that's when I'll upgrade from my OG APP's.

No longer buying any Apple devices that use lightning.

Yeah, for me at this point, I also don't want any new Apple device that uses Lightning. The writing is on the wall -- Lightning is going DOWN... ;-)

 

[wanha]

People feel their Magical and Amazing Apple products are less "special" if they use the same charging/data port that everyone else gets to use. Lightning is technically inferior in every possible way, but it's unique, and that's absolutely an emotional draw to a certain subset of the population. But we can't blame people—Apple has shaped it that way.

We don't get a standard connector, we get Apple's proprietary connector that Apple then abandons at some point in the future in order to churn adoption of some other "magical" advancement—Apple had to think fast due to the EU forcing their hand, so the rumors say we're getting spurious MFI USB-C cables. Those new to the ecosystem, or only iOS owners, won't realize that Apple has been pulling this nonsense since the 680x0 Mac days—never missing an opportunity to squeeze profit from users through proprietary connectors or, even worse, non-standard signaling across otherwise standards-compliant connectivity, then marketing that difference as a benefit. It is a marketing conceit wrapped in technological hand-waving designed to increase high-margin ancillary purchases and it's utterly shameless.

The side effect of the cognitive dissonance of people having to abandon this shaping suddenly, as in the case of Lightning versus USB-C, is strenuously telling us how they "...only use wireless charging anyway." Super looking forward to that for the next year.

"proprietary connector that Apple then abandons..."

This is such lazy propaganda.

The original iPhone 30 pin connector was launched with the iPod in 2003.

It was replaced by the lighting cable in 2012, because lightning was superior in every way (smaller, faster, and easier to use).

My math says that makes two connectors in 20 years.

And the transition was not motivated by greed, but rather a genuine technological innovation the improved the experience for all users.

You're upset about that. Okay.

So how come now that the governments come and force Apple to abandon their connector for no technological reason, you're okay with that?

Isn't this transition the very thing you accused Apple of?

It would seem that "abandoning" a connector isn't really your concern at all.

 

[msackey]

I personally think the lightning connector was necessary when it was introduced some 11 years ago now. It replaced the apple 30-pin connector, which was big and hard to fit on smaller devices.

The USB connector at the time lighting was introduced was USB-A, which was also fairly large and somewhat fussy in that it had to be inserted in the correct orientation. USB went on to add "mini" and "micro" connectors, but they were still single-orientation connectors that were prone to wear and damage, and the sheer number of similar, incompatible connectors was confusing. If USB-C existed back then it would have made sense for Apple to adopt it, but I think Apple did well to avoid USB in that era.

The lighting connector is easy to plug in even when you aren't looking at it, and other than occasional debris accumulation in the port the connector has been fairly reliable for a decade or so. USB-C has reached parity with lighting in terms of size, ease of use, and durability, and so I think the time is right for Apple to finally adopt the universal standard.

totally agree that when Lightning came out, it was definitely an upgrade and an advantage over what was available which included the typical USB plugs. I've always hated the regular USB, micro USB, etc. ports/plugs. Like you say, Lightning now has been superceded by a different design and it can be replaced.

This is all only true if you accept a proprietary connector as a solution to the problems you indicate—a problem created by Apple's reliance on another proprietary connector, the 30-pin port. Lather, rinse, repeat. Instead of adopting or (even better) shaping the standard, they perpetuated another 10 years of physical lock-in and spurred eventual government action due to their unwillingness to give up the revenue stream that comes from MFI and the air of "exclusivity" it allowed them to present.

They may have been solving practical problems in an innovative way—no argument there—but as usual, Apple's irritating Willy Wonka marketing machine nonsense got their hands on it and now end users are left to shoulder the inconvenience.

Gosh, I don't think I buy that narrative. It seems to me that when MFi came out, it was trying to solve the problem of bad accessory connections. I don't know if the MFi program helped to mitigate that, but seems to me that was an intent. Regarding shouldering the inconvenience, I think there's always some transition pains when going from one format to another. That was the case when PCs went from Serial/Periphery port to USB too, so....

 

[cateye]

And the transition was not motivated by greed, but rather a genuine technological innovation the improved the experience for all users.

"All users."

So why keep it proprietary, then? I like how Apple's motivations are richly noble—so noble, in fact, they had to keep it for themselves and monetize it.

To be clear, I don't fault the Lightning connector and the problems it solved. At the time it was introduced, I agree, it was genuinely a smart solution that pre-dated USB-C. Where I fault Apple is its motivations and behaviors after the fact to monetize lock-in, to the point of not bothering to solve the ways in which Lightning holds back the functioning of the devices that have it (USB 2 transfer speeds, no electrical ground pin which permits arcing, etc.)

When Apple makes great big tons of money off something, they get lazy. And Lightning has become incredibly lazy. The extent to which they've dragged their feet on it is maddening.

 

[cateye]

It's one thing for people to have their noses upturned to others over using apple devices but the charging method....really? You think that users are so conceited that they think lightning is better since only apple users get it? Even the misdirected poster above who mentions apple kowtowing to government is probably just some libertarian wannabe who is already printing a don't tread on me flag gadsen flag with a lightning cable in lieu of a snake.

You should read this website a little more. This—the narrative that the Lightning connector represents something "special" about Apple products—has appeared in comment threads over and over again, particularly as the debate about moving to USB-C has dragged on over the last year or so. I don't think it's "conceit," I think it's the result of Apple's laser-focused marketing. No better (or worse) than a Nike swoosh making you feel like an athlete.

 

[JGIGS]

Hopefully the iphone isn't too far behind and by the time I'm ready to upgrade both everything will be USB-C.

 

[lcs101]

Been holding out on AirPods Pro, but was finally going to get some now that it's so easy to find the $50 off. I just have to decide now if I'd rather buy now with discount, wait for USB-C and pay full price, or wait for USB-C and then a bit more time for those to get a discount.

 

[lcs101]

Hopefully the iphone isn't too far behind and by the time I'm ready to upgrade both everything will be USB-C.

Everything points to USB-C for iPhone 15.

 

[bookcase]

This is inevitable, but as a new AirPods Pro 2 owner, I've only used my Apple Watch charger so far. The XS tips that fit my ear (and stay in!) and the watch charging solutions were game changers for me.

 

[gund1234]

Wait is this going to be thunderbolt 4 ? or USB 3.0 gen 2, version 4 ?
because i need thunderbolt 4 so that data transfer speeds are fast.

 

[gund1234]

People feel their Magical and Amazing Apple products are less "special" if they use the same charging/data port that everyone else gets to use. Lightning is technically inferior in every possible way, but it's unique, and that's absolutely an emotional draw to a certain subset of the population. But we can't blame people—Apple has shaped it that way.

We don't get a standard connector, we get Apple's proprietary connector that Apple then abandons at some point in the future in order to churn adoption of some other "magical" advancement—Apple had to think fast due to the EU forcing their hand, so the rumors say we're getting spurious MFI USB-C cables. Those new to the ecosystem, or only iOS owners, won't realize that Apple has been pulling this nonsense since the 680x0 Mac days—never missing an opportunity to squeeze profit from users through proprietary connectors or, even worse, non-standard signaling across otherwise standards-compliant connectivity, then marketing that difference as a benefit. It is a marketing conceit wrapped in technological hand-waving designed to increase high-margin ancillary purchases and it's utterly shameless.

The side effect of the cognitive dissonance of people having to abandon this shaping suddenly, as in the case of Lightning versus USB-C, is strenuously telling us how they "...only use wireless charging anyway." Super looking forward to that for the next year.

The problem is if government mandates USB C for everything then this is it, there won't be any further development in new technology.
Imagine if Intel & Apple didn't develop thunderbolt technology we would be struck with USB 2.0 speeds.

 

[CWallace]

and the usbC case for those who wants just the replacement

That works for me, since I have the 2nd Gen APP already so all I am interested in would be a USB-C case to replace my Lightning one.

2nd generation? Wouldn't this be a 3rd generation?

As others have noted, this will be the same 2nd generation APP as released earlier, now just with a USB-C charging case instead of Lightning.

I wonder is the "A2948" mentioned in iOS 16.4 a reference to the USB Type C charging case for the AirPods Pro 2.

Kuo seems to believe so per this report of his.

I thought maybe A3048 could be new 2nd Generation Air Pods with USB-C instead of Lightning and A2968 could be a 2nd Generation Air Pods wireless / USB-C charging case.

Wait is this going to be thunderbolt 4 ? or USB 3.0 gen 2, version 4 ?
because i need thunderbolt 4 so that data transfer speeds are fast.

Assuming you are not posting in jest, it would be none of the above since you don't do data transfer to/from an AirPods case.

 

[Scotticus]

How about black Apple??? ...just give me black and I'll buy! I cannot believe its 2023 and only available in 1 colour.

Seriously! 15 colors of iPhone but only 1 for AirPods... and it's the same white they've been using for 15+ years (and that none of their phones/tablets/computers come in anymore)

 

[i_bit_the_apple]

I use my USB-C Apple Watch charger to charge my Airpods Pro Gen.2

 

[tomtad]

2nd generation? Wouldn't this be a 3rd generation?

It'll just be a new case, same 'Pods

 

[jonproject]

Interesting thought. But what is there to fight? Is USB C worse than Lightning? I can't think of any significant disadvantages going from Lightning to USB C. More and more devices use USB C which means it's easier to find a cable and also power adapter that allows for USB C cables.

If I had to play devil's advocate here, I can think of one significant disadvantage USB C has that Lightning doesn't. The inside of the port has a male end to it which I'm predicting will be a notable point of failure for these Apple devices going forward. People plugging in their iPhone/Airpods and having their cable get jerked around and breaking that piece inside the port. Lightning port doesn't have that issue.

 

[msackey]

If I had to play devil's advocate here, I can think of one significant disadvantage USB C has that Lightning doesn't. The inside of the port has a male end to it which I'm predicting will be a notable point of failure for these Apple devices going forward. People plugging in their iPhone/Airpods and having their cable get jerked around and breaking that piece inside the port. Lightning port doesn't have that issue.

Hmm...interesting. I haven't had that issue with my iPad Pro which has a USB C port.

 

[bigcat]

Not buying until there’s a yellow edition

 

[lcs101]

This is inevitable, but as a new AirPods Pro 2 owner, I've only used my Apple Watch charger so far. The XS tips that fit my ear (and stay in!) and the watch charging solutions were game changers for me.

That's the one thing that has be considering just going ahead and buying them with the $50 off deals, though I am still not sure yet. Without that, I'd 100% wait.