Apple could start shipping a version of the AirPods Pro 2 with new technology next quarter

2 min readMar 26, 20237:12 AM

In this article (5)

It seems that the iOS 16.4 release candidate for developers references new AirPods with the model number A3048 and a new AirPods case with the model number A2968. According to a tweet from TF International’s world-renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, those model numbers refer to a new version of the AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C charging replacing the Lightning port. Kuo says that the new version of the AirPods Pro 2 is expected to start shipping in the second or third quarter of this year.

Kuo did mention that Apple has no plans to offer USB-C versions of the AirPods 2 and AirPods 3. He also didn’t mention any other changes expected with the new USB-C variant of Apple’s premium true wireless stereo earbuds other than the charging port on the charging case.

Just last week Kuo said that the iPhone 15 line will ship with a USB-C port requiring a cable sporting a USB-C plug instead of the proprietary Lightning plug. But there is a caveat: Apple will use the faster USB 3.2 ports for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Ultra and the slower USB 2.0 ports for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus. We could see a repeat of what Apple did with the USB-C ports on the entry-level iPad and the iPad Pro. The top data transfer speed on the basic tablet is 480Mbps and a much faster 40Gbps on the premium tablet.

In addition, Apple will reportedly include a Lightning-like authenticator chip inside the USB-C port and the cables in order to limit the accessories that can be used on the phones. In other words, only USB-C cables and accessories that have been certified by Apple for its MFi (Made For iPhone) program will get the fastest charging and data transfer speeds available. This way Apple still collects some revenue from iPhone buyers who want to purchase new USB-C cables and accessories for their iPhone 15 series handsets.

Apple has been forced to make the change from its proprietary Lightning system to USB-C because of a common charger directive that was passed in the EU. The goal is to reduce electronic waste as the rule makes a USB-C charging port mandatory for a large number of electronic devices. Rather than make iPhone models with USB-C ports for one region and units with the Lightning port in other markets, it appears-at least according to Kuo-that Apple is making the change starting this year.

AdvertisementAdvertise with usMobile 320×100

Questions & Answers

Will the new AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C have any other new features beyond the charging port?

The analyst mentioned no other expected changes with the new USB-C variant of the AirPods Pro 2 earbuds, apart from the charging port on the charging case. It seems the focus is solely on the connector update.

Why is Apple making this change from Lightning to USB-C for the AirPods Pro 2?

Apple is being forced to make the change due to a common charger directive passed in the EU. This rule makes a USB-C charging port mandatory for many electronic devices to reduce electronic waste.

Will older AirPods models also get USB-C charging ports?

The analyst mentioned that Apple has no plans to offer USB-C versions of the AirPods 2 and AirPods 3. The change appears to be limited to the AirPods Pro 2 for now.

Will Apple's new USB-C accessories be compatible with all other USB-C devices?

Apple will reportedly include an authenticator chip in its USB-C ports and cables. Only cables and accessories certified by Apple's MFi program will get the fastest charging and data transfer speeds available.

Reader pulse

What does Apple's USB-C shift mean for accessories?

21,819 votes so far