Well-connected Apple industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple’s upcoming second-generation AirPods Pro charging case will continue to be powered via a Lightning port.
Kuo tweeted earlier today, repeating his previous claim that Apple’s second-generation AirPods Pro will launch during the second half of 2022. While Apple is reportedly testing USB-C connectors for the iPhone 15 and its accessories, along with Mac keyboards and trackpads. However, Kuo says Apple will continue to use Lightning to charge its AirPods Pro 2 earbuds.
“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, currently use a Lightning connector for charging.
Apple’s second-gen AirPods Pro will be the first update to the earbuds since they launched in 2019. The next-generation wireless earbuds are expected to have a new design that gets rid of the traditional AirPods stem, making them an all-ear design. An improved charging case, improved audio quality, and health tracking capabilities are all expected to make an appearance in the second-generation AirPods Pro.