Apple industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple has no plans to release a new version of the third-generation AirPods with a USB-C port on its charging case. This is despite the second-generation AirPods Pro with USB-C Apple is expected to release later this year.
Kuo tweeted that Apple “currently appears to have no plans for USB-C versions of the AirPods 2 & 3.” The decision seems a bit odd, given that Apple is reportedly planning to release a revised edition of its second-generation AirPods Pro with a USB-C port on its charging case later this year.
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
Kuo’s comments suggest that Apple is holding off for the fourth-generation AirPods to offer a USB-C port on the device.
Apple has in the past released new versions of AirPods charging cases twice in the history of the wireless earbuds, adding new features, including wireless charging and MagSafe. So, updating the charging case on the second-gen AirPods Pro to include a USB-C port makes sense.
Apple’s upcoming iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro lineup is expected to replace the traditional Lightning charging and syncing port with a USB-C port. It is also expected to make the same change on other devices and accessories. The change is likely spurred by the European Union’s passing a law that requires devices sold in the region to have a USB-C port by 2024, including AirPods.
