AirPods Pro 2 with USB

Back in September 2022, Apple finally launched the 2nd Generation AirPods Pro. Compared to the first-gen AirPods Pro, it brought many upgrades. Unfortunately, USB-C charging wasn’t one of them. But rumors suggest Apple could be preparing to launch AirPods Pro 2 with a USB-C charging case later this year.

Apple is reportedly seeking to mass produce the USB-C cased AirPods Pro 2 in the second or third quarter of 2023, according to Ming-Chi Kuo, who is a reliable Apple-related leakster. However, we don’t know whether Apple has other upgrades in store as well.

I think this is likely the USB-C version of the AirPods Pro 2, with mass shipments expected in 2Q23-3Q23. By the way, Apple currently appears to have no plans for USB-C versions of the AirPods 2 & 3.

我覺得這應該是AirPods Pro… https://t.co/aWKJvGh1lW

— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) March 24, 2023

After new AirPods with model number “A3048” and a new AirPods case with model number “A29680” were discovered on iOS 16.4 Release Candidate, rumors about USB-C powered AirPods began to take shape.

It’s pretty clear that Apple’s decision to go USB-C on the AirPods Pro is a direct result of the European Union (EU) and India mandating USB-C charging on devices like smartphones, wearables, and other gadgets. Matter of fact, the upcoming iPhone 15 series will shift from Lightning to a USB-C connector too.

Anyway, the AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C will likely bear all the features of its Lightning counterpart. This includes a U1 ultra-wideband chip and a built-in speaker in the charging case, to help remotely locate it easier.

Powered by the all-new H2 chip, Apple claims almost 2x better ANC on the 2nd generation AirPods Pro versus its predecessor. It also introduces something called “Adaptive Transparency Mode” which kicks in whenever there’s a sudden burst of loud noise around the user.

Apple also reworked the audio on the AirPods Pro 2, with a new low-distortion sound driver and a custom amp. It also lets you adjust volume levels directly from the earbud’s touch panel. Other than this, these earbuds can last significantly longer than their predecessor too. With a claimed playback time of 6 hours with ANC on, compared to 4.5 hours on the first-gen AirPods Pro.

As aforementioned, the AirPods Pro 2 (2023) is reportedly launching later this year, with mass production starting from either Q2/Q3 2023. There’s no word on pricing yet but it could cost USD 249—the same as the regular AirPods Pro 2.