Apple Introduces Updated AirPods Pro and EarPods With USB-C and More

Tuesday September 12, 2023 10:56 am PDT by Joe Rossignol

In addition to the iPhone 15 models getting a USB-C port, Apple today announced that the second-generation AirPods Pro are now available to order with a USB-C charging case for $249, and the wired EarPods now come in a USB-C version as well.

AirPods USB C Port
The updated second-generation AirPods Pro ship with a USB-C charging case, but the case is not sold separately at this time on Apple's online store. Additionally, the updated second-generation AirPods Pro include improved IP54-rated dust resistance for the earbuds and case, and will support lossless audio when connected to the Apple Vision Pro headset launching in early 2024. No other changes were announced.

Apple said the updated second-generation AirPods Pro will begin arriving to customers and launch in stores on Friday, September 22.

Apple continues to sell EarPods with a Lightning connector and with a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Related Roundup: AirPods Pro 3

Tags: EarPods, September 2023 Apple Event

Buyer's Guide: AirPods Pro (Neutral)

Related Forum: AirPods

Popular Stories

Apple to Bring Custom EQ to AirPods

Monday June 8, 2026 10:29 am PDT by Hartley Charlton

Apple today announced that AirPods will gain a custom EQ (equalizer) feature, allowing users to further personalize how their AirPods sound. The new capability is part of Apple's next-generation software platform updates, which the company unveiled today. Custom EQ lets listeners adjust audio output to match their personal preferences, going beyond the fixed audio profiles AirPods have...

• 37 comments

AirPods Pro 3 Heart Rate Tracking Feature

Apple Expands GymKit to iPhone and AirPods Pro 3

Tuesday June 9, 2026 2:26 am PDT by Hartley Charlton

Apple expands GymKit support to the iPhone and AirPods Pro 3 with iOS 27, extending the gym equipment connectivity feature beyond Apple Watch for the first time. GymKit originally launched in 2017 and has, until now, been exclusive to the Apple Watch feature, requiring users to wear the watch and tap it against compatible equipment to pair. The expansion means that iPhone and AirPods Pro 3...

• 6 comments

Apple Releases New AirPods Beta Firmware With iOS 27 Features

Tuesday June 9, 2026 11:31 am PDT by Juli Clover

Apple today released new beta firmware for the AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods Pro 3. The firmware is limited to developers at the current time, and it has a build number of 9A5292e. In iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS Golden Gate, Apple is adding a new AirPods interface and support for custom EQ. AirPods are also compatible with the new Siri AI. With iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe, ...

• 37 comments

Top Rated Comments

Apple Knowledge Navigator

37 months ago

Such a stupid change. Keeping lightning would have been better. Delusional.

Why? The new iPhones feature USB-C charging cables; and most AirPod users will own an iPhone.
MacBooks and iPads are now charged via USB-C.

Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Arsenikdote

37 months ago

Such a stupid change. Keeping lightning would have been better. Delusional.

First of all, having one cable for Mac, iPad, iPhone, AirPods is waaay better.
Second of all, it wasn't Apple's choice. The EU forced their hand

Then remove Apple Watch wireless charging and include a USB-C port.

And also remove the MagSafe port from MacBook.

Using your logic...

The point you are intentionally ignoring or are not understanding is that consolidating the types of cables someone needs to posses is considered a benefit by most people. Consolidation down to no choice might not be, but reduction to redundant types is a benefit. For example, wireless charging and wired charging are different methods each having different benefits/trade offs. Lightning has become redundant to USB C and is a layer deeper now splitting the wired options. Since fewer Apple products use lightning than USB C, it makes sense to remove this redundancy in wired charging options, also thereby reducing the number of physical cables a user needs to have.

From a consolidation perspective it is not delusional, it is helpful. Plus as you have also conveniently ignored, they were forced to make the change on the iPhone, further increasing the need to consolidate the redundancy of wired charging/data cable options.

Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)

_Spinn_

37 months ago

USB C should be very nice!

Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)