Apple AirPods Pro 2 with USB Type-C port coming later this year: Ming-Chi Kuo

Apple will soon launch the USB Type-C version of the Apple AirPods Pro 2, says seasoned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The development stems from references present in Apple’s latest iOS release, iOS 16.4 beta, which was rolled out by developers very recently. Analyst Kuo in his tweet, also mentions that the new AirPods Pro 2 with the Type-C charging port will start mass shipping sometime in the second or third quarter of 2023. He added that the AirPods 2 and the AirPods 3 are unlikely to get USB-C versions.

AirPods Pro 2 with USB Type-C charging port coming soon

This shift from the Lightning port to USB-C is most likely a direct influence of the European Union’s ruling that requires all mobile phones, tablets, and other electronic devices to come equipped with Type-C ports. Apple has already started shipping its Mac and iPad devices with the Type-C connector, however, the AirPods and iPhone lineup currently uses the company’s proprietary Lighting connector. With the recent developments that have been spotted on iOS 16.4 beta rollout, it is likely that AirPods Pro 2 is ready to shift to a Type-C port for charging.

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

According to one person, the new AirPods carrying model number A3048 along with AirPods case with model number A2968 were found as references in the new version of iOS 16. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo later suggested that these could indicate the upcoming AirPods Pro 2 with the Type-C charging port. The new AirPods Pro 2 is likely to start mass shipping in Q2 or Q3 of 2023. It is still unclear whether the AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 will get this Type-C connecter update.

The iPhone is also likely to shift to a Type-C charging port with the iPhone 15 series. The EU’s ruling technically allows the upcoming iPhone 15 to continue having the Lightning port. Some models are expected to shift to the Type-C port.