Apple is likely to replace its outdated Lightning Port with USB-C when it launches the iPhone 15 lineup this year. While Apple has been gradually transitioning to USB-C on its laptops and tablets, comprehensive legislative action from the European Union had to be put in place for Apple to hasten the process for the iPhone. Late last year, Apple reluctantly agreed to an EU ruling that mandated USB-C usage on all mobile devices, including iPhones. Speculations show that Apple’s AirPods Pro 2, the company’s popular wireless earbuds, may switch from Lightning to USB-C this year, besides the iPhone 15 lineup.
The rumor originated from Twitter user @aaronp613, who stumbled upon references to new AirPods and AirPods cases in the iOS 16.4 code. Model numbers Aaron discovered in his research include A3048 and A2968, which he believes belong to an upcoming AirPods model and it’s charging case. While Aaron did not assert that the new AirPods will adopt USB-C, noted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo referenced his tweet, claiming that these model numbers may show the USB-C version of the Apple AirPods 2. Kuo speculates the USB-C AirPods may debut in the second or third quarter of 2023.
Interestingly, not all of Apple’s legacy AirPods will transition to USB-C in 2023. In his tweet, Ming-Chi Kuo notes that only the AirPods Pro 2 models will switch to USB-C in 2023, and Apple has no plans to change the Lightning Port on its existing entry-level AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 wireless earbuds.
Adding a USB-C connector to the AirPods Pro 2 would allow for easy connection to a broader range of devices, as USB-C has become increasingly popular across various gadgets. Switching to USB-C could lead to shorter charging times for the AirPods Pro 2 as it offers faster charging speeds than Lightning. However, Apple would need to enable this feature on the charging case for the AirPods Pro 2.
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Apple has faced intense criticism for its reluctance to transition from Lightning to USB-C, and two of its popular products making the shift in 2023 would be a welcome change. It would only speed up the process that Apple began a few years ago by adopting the USB-C standard on the company’s MacBook and iPad Pro models. Consumers should, however, wait for an official announcement from Apple regarding the rumored USB-C AirPods Pro 2 before making any final decisions.
