Second-Generation AirPods Pro Charging Case Expected to Stick With Lightning Port

[MacRumors]

As Apple reportedly plans to switch the iPhone 15 and a number of its accessories to USB-C in the coming years, the upcoming second-generation AirPods Pro charging case will continue to feature a Lightning port, reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said today.

In a series of tweets, Kuo reiterated his past remarks that the second-generation AirPods Pro will launch in the second half of this year. In the last few weeks, information has emerged that Apple is testing USB-C for the iPhone 15 and its accessories, including AirPods, the MagSafe Battery Pack, and Mac keyboards/trackpads, which still feature the Lightning connector.

The upcoming AirPods Pro will not, however, mark the start of the transition towards USB-C for the AirPods line. "I predict the charging case of AirPods Pro 2 will still support Lightning, not USB-C," Kuo said in a tweet. All of Apple's AirPods, including the high-end $550 AirPods Max, feature a Lightning connector for charging.

The second-generation AirPods Pro will be the first update to the AirPods Pro since their launch in 2019. The new models are expected to feature a new design that gets rid of the stem for an all-ear design, similar to the Beats Fit Pro. Health tracking capabilities, as well as an improved charging case and audio quality, are also expected. For everything we know about the upcoming AirPods Pro, see our guide.

Article Link: Second-Generation AirPods Pro Charging Case Expected to Stick With Lightning Port

 

[MayaUser]

reliable until last year maybe...now-days is un-reliable analyst Ming Chi Kuo..please lets not lie the users

 

[ApplesAreSweet&Sour]

Well, it’s not like APP2 are going to need wired data transfer or that Lightning to USB-C couldn’t provide the necessary power to fast charge.. if APP2 even get fast charging which I doubt (fast charging for the buds probably, but not for the charging case).

This doesn’t make a huge difference except for the fact that there’s surely going to be another Lightning to USB-C cable in the box that next to nobody needs.

 

[Nimrad]

except for the fact that there’s surely going to be another Lightning to USB-C cable in the box that next to nobody needs.

But this is the whole point. I think we can all agree Lightning is a dying port. Apple even pioneered USB-C on laptops back in 2015. Sticking with Lightning for no reason is just frustrating. And in my experience wireless charging is painfully slow on the AirPods Pro.

 

[Maetzle]

Oh Apple. Please don't release those with Lighting, switch to USB-C next year for iPhones and other products and then sell us a separate USB-C case for $100 down the line.

 

[flottenheimer]

Come on, Apple.
Give in. Just switch — you will be giving your beloved users what they actually want.

 

[NightFox]

As soon as Apple adopted USB-C for the iPad, I expected everything else to go that way with its next iteration. Having finally made that first step, I really don't understand why Apple are still clinging on to Lightning.

 

[contacos]

eh my AirPod Pro case does not even charge wired anymore. Somehow it only charges wireless and the little led seems to be dead as well ? Apples biggest throw away product by far.

 

[Unggoy Murderer]

As soon as Apple adopted USB-C for the iPad, I really expected everything else to go that way with its next iteration. Having finally made that first step, I really don't understand why Apple are still clinging on to Lightning.

They adopted it on the iPad solely to make the device more competitive / usable against PCs.

USB-C is a total ****-show when it comes to cables and standards.

 

[Unggoy Murderer]

eh my AirPod Pro case does not even charge wired anymore. Somehow it only charges wireless and the little led seems to be dead as well ? Apples biggest throw away product by far.

The port might be full of pocket lint, it happens to mine periodically. Take a toothpick and gently scrape at the bottom of the port, it should dislodge the compacted fluff and allow for a better connection.

 

[Ubuntu]

eh my AirPod Pro case does not even charge wired anymore. Somehow it only charges wireless and the little led seems to be dead as well ? Apples biggest throw away product by far.

Oof. Have you tried cleaning out the port with a toothpick?

 

[SeaFox]

I really don't understand why Apple are still clinging on to Lightning.

Because Apple hates to admit when they're wrong. They'd rather the EU pass a law that requires it, so they can frame it as "well, we unfortunately had to give up on our Lightning port because of that", rather than because following the rest of industry was really just better than using their own custom solution.

 

[iDaniel88]

Not really a big deal, I only charge my APP case using wireless.

 

[JustSomebody12]

I think until the first type-C iPhone they will sell only lightning AirPods.

After that, both lightning and type-C cases will be offered, IMO.

 

[ApplesAreSweet&Sour]

Knowing that most of Apple’s small, rechargeable devices share most power and charging components to cut costs, I think this is going to be a scenario where APP2 will launch with Lightning port and a Lightning to USB-C into the box in 2022.

Then, when Apple has dropped the first USB-C iPhone in 2023-2024, they’ll launch USB-C versions of AP3 and APP2, sort of like how Apple launched new versions of AP2 and APP with minor updates to charging and the wireless chip a couple of years after the first iterations.

I expect there to be a next generation “H2” chip in both iterations of APP2, and that AP3 will also adopt this H2 chip and USB-C port when APP2 gets USB-C post USB-C iPhone launch.

But this is all a few years from now.

The only chance of APP2 launching with a USB-C port is if we get USB-C on iPhones 14.

But knowing that iPhones 14 will be another iteration of the iPhones 12/13 designs, I can’t imagine Apple jumping to USB-C before the current 3-year cycle is over.

 

[twistedpixel8]

Because Apple hates to admit when they're wrong. They'd rather the EU pass a law that requires it, so they can frame it as "well, we unfortunately had to give up on our Lightning port because of that", rather than because following the rest of industry was really just better than using their own custom solution.

I think it’s more likely down to cost. They save several pennies on each device by using lightning rather than USB-C and those pennies add up on all the devices. Gotta pad those billionaire wallets!

 

[randomgeeza]

I'm due a new iPhone and new APPs but I am holding out now for USB-C... I'm not shelling out all that for it to be old before its time in 12 months. Would rather wait it out and get all USB-C.

 

[Putzytart]

Apple, get rid of lightning altogether and PLEASE sort the mouse out OMG.

 

[Will Co]

A no-brainer, surely. Simplify our life with one less cable standard. Simplify your inventory by ditching a custom connector.

 

[ApplesAreSweet&Sour]

They adopted it on the iPad solely to make the device more competitive / usable against PCs.

USB-C is a total ****-show when it comes to cables and standards.

That’s such a non argument: Apple just has to put the right kind of high quality USB-C cable in the box and no consumer will face issues until they decide to get third-party cables.

If Apple can figure out how to put a decent charger and USB-C cable in M1 iPads Pro, Macbook Air and 13” MBP product boxes then surely they can figure out how to do the same for iPhones.

The failure to adopt USB-C on iPhones is not a technical issue for Apple, or a decision made to provide the best and most user-friendly solution for consumers. It’s a profit margins issue, nothing else.

 

[Unggoy Murderer]

That’s such a non argument: Apple just has to put the right kind of high quality USB-C cable in the box and no consumer will face issues until they decide to get third-party cables.

If Apple can figure out how to put a decent charger and USB-C cable in M1 iPads Pro, Macbook Air and 13” MBP product boxes then surely they can figure out how to do the same for iPhones.

It’s not a technical issue for Apple, it’s a profit margin issue.

That's not the point I'm making. Apple's cable and charger are fine, but if someone already has a USB-C cable, it may not be suitable for charging the iPad, or connecting it to a Mac.

Lightning cables will work with all Lightning devices universally. The same cannot be said for USB-C.

 

[schneeland]

A rather odd decision if it turns out to be true. Especially if you consider that the Beats Fit Pro already have a USB-C-powered charging case.

 

[Calle68]

Crazy

 

[ApplesAreSweet&Sour]

I think it’s more likely down to cost. They save several pennies on each device by using lightning rather than USB-C and those pennies add up on all the devices. Gotta pad those billionaire wallets!

It’s really a no brainer: Shareholders love the MFi royalties and consumers keep buying iPhones despite the obsolete port because they’re deeply invested in the ecosystem and Apple offers no choice.

Why would Apple change something if doing so only serves to hurt its bottom line?

It’s only the threat of EU fines that is making Apple ditch Lightning. If the EU backs down then Apple is sticking to Lightning.

 

[lowkey]

I’ve never had a USBC cable die on me.
Lightening port on the other hand I’ve had plenty. I’ve got lightening cables that work only if they are in only one way up instead of 2. They are a real pita.