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Apple Reportedly Not Planning to Release USB-C Version of AirPods 3

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Apple has no plans to release a new version of the third-generation AirPods with a USB-C port, despite intending to do so with a new version of the second-generation AirPods Pro later this year, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo today said.

airpods pro with usb c port ken pillonelImage via Ken Pillonel

In a tweet, Kuo explained that Apple "currently appears to have no plans for USB-C versions of the AirPods 2 & 3." The decision is notable since Apple is apparently planning to release a revised version of the second-generation AirPods Pro with a USB-C port later this year. Kuo's comment likely suggests that Apple is holding off for the fourth-generation AirPods to offer a USB-C port on the device.

Apple has released new versions of AirPods charging cases twice in the past to add new hardware features such as wireless charging and MagSafe. A new, mid-cycle version of the second-generation AirPods Pro's charging case to switch to a USB-C port is therefore in line with the company's past behavior.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman believes that all three AirPods models could switch to USB-C by the end of 2024, hastened by EU legislation that forces manufacturers to offer USB-C as a common charging port across a wide range of devices.

Related Roundup: AirPods 5
Tags: Ming-Chi Kuo, USB-C
Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Buy Now)
Related Forum: AirPods

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Top Rated Comments

M
Motawa
46 months ago
obviously. usbc is a PRO feature
Score: 30 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mrat93 Avatar
mrat93
46 months ago

Good! Everybody has a ton of Lightning cables, might as well keep using them. Switching to USB-C is bad for the environment because everyone will have to purchase new cables and throw the old ones away.
If Apple cared about the environmental impact of people throwing away their cables, they would have switched to USB-C years ago, and switched other products over sooner. And also maybe sell/include more durable cables that last.

For every pair of AirPods sold today, that’s another Lightning cable in the trash in less than 5 years — we all know that neither AirPods or Apple cables last nearly that long when actively in use.
Score: 27 Votes (Like | Disagree)
C
citysnaps
46 months ago

I bought Airpods 3 last weekend to replace my 2’s, knowing full well that everything is switching to C soon.

How did I get screwed?
You didn't. Lightning is a far more mechanically robust connector, designed for frequent insertions/extractions, and is especially ideal for devices that do not need much charging current and don't need to transport high-speed data.

Many people just need something to moan about in order to feel better and have a better day.
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
I
ignatius345
46 months ago

Apple is shooting themselves in the foot with this one, iPhone 15 buyers will ditch AirPods in favor of the Beats lineup or even of third-party competitors.
Believe it or not, outside the echo chamber of online forums, I think most people don't give a rat's ass if their AirPods use the "wrong cable" to charge. People will just plug it in (using the cable every single iPhone on earth ships with) and move on with their lives. Or they'll just charge it wirelessly.
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iZac Avatar
iZac
46 months ago
USB C AirPods 4 confirmed for 1st of January 2025?

Another great way to screw the lower end consumer by selling them a device with the legacy connector right up to the legal date they're forced to change it ;)

EDIT: Well not screwed so much, just penalised in the future-proofing game.
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
U
Unggoy Murderer
46 months ago

USB C AirPods 4 confirmed for 1st of January 2025?

Another great way to screw the lower end consumer by selling them a device with the legacy connector right up to the legal date they're forced to change it ;)
You get a cable in the box with the AirPods, nobody is getting screwed.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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