EarPods with a Lightning connector
Apple is reportedly working on wired EarPods with a USB-C cable ahead of the iPhone 15 lineup as an AirPods alternative, covered under the “Made for i” program.
In October 2022, the European Union passed new regulations mandating a universal charging standard, namely USB-C. Due to the effective date of the law and the covered devices, the iPhone 15 may adopt USB-C, but the iPhone 17 will undoubtedly be required to use it.
A dubious claim shared on the Chinese social networking platform Weibo in February suggested that Apple might comply with the technicalities of the regulation, but not its intent, by including USB-C accessories in its “Made for iPhone” program. “Apple has made its own type C, lightning interface IC which will be used on this year’s new iPhone and MFI-certified peripherals,” they said.
On Thursday, ShrimpApplePro, who has a good track record for Apple leaks, tweeted about such accessories, including EarPods with a USB-C connector.
As part of the Made for iPhone (MFi) certification program, Apple approves accessories, sells certain parts, and provides a chip to companies for authentication. It’s a way for Apple to ensure that accessories that connect to its iPhone meet quality standards.
Apple still sells wired EarPods headphones even though the wireless AirPods have been wildly successful. They’re less expensive, don’t require charging, and a new version will connect to a USB-C iPhone without an adapter.
