Apple AirPods Pro could get even cleverer.
The next AirPods Pro are expected to be decorating users’ ears in just a matter of weeks when the next Apple special event takes place (here’s when that will be).
But there’s a big change which will come to all models of AirPods (regular, Pro and Max) as soon as next year and that’s the move from Lightning connector to USB-C for the charging case. However, it’s possible that the next AirPods, that is the second-generation AirPods Pro 2 due next month could bring that change first.
This is all according to Ming-Chi Kuo, the highly rated analyst from TFI Securities who has just revealed that all AirPods will have USB-C charging cases next year. Kuo’s tweet in full: “I predict Apple will launch USB-C-capable charging cases for all AirPods models in 2023. However, the charging case of the new AirPods Pro 2 launched in 2H22 may still support Lightning.”
In other words, Kuo can’t say for sure which charging connector the new AirPods Pro will use. So, we could see the first AirPods with USB-C imminently.
Here’s what I think: while it absolutely makes sense to switch to USB-C at some point, Apple won’t be in a hurry. So, in that sense, 2023 seems good enough.
But if the change is coming soon, and I’m sure it is, then wouldn’t it make sense to add it to the next new model from the outset? The production costs will be much lower than changing midstream.
On the other hand, Apple doesn’t need to wait for new generations to appear before it tweaks the design. We know this because when AirPods third generation were released last year, with a MagSafe wireless charging capability, the existing AirPods Pro was quietly updated so it had MagSafe compatibility.
This way, when Apple is ready, it can switch connectivity on all its headphones simultaneously. Changing from Lightning to USB-C is a big move and will simplify life for many people with plenty of USB-C devices at home, like an iPad Air, iPad Pro or MacBook Air.
But Apple will want to make sure things are as straightforward for customers as possible.
So, while I absolutely think the next AirPods Pro could arrive in the next few weeks with USB-C charging on the case, my guess is Lightning will win the day and that’s what will be there. But I’m certain it will be the last AirPods release that doesn’t use USB-C and there will be a wholesale shift to the new connector next year.
In a sense, it’s slightly academic: let’s remember that AirPods third-generation and AirPods Pro both have MagSafe wireless charging as standard. Many users may not even need to concern themselves with the move as they’ll be charging wirelessly instead.
