At Apple’s “Wonderlust” event today, the company released an updated version of AirPods Pro 2 and EarPods with USB-C connectors. The earbuds themselves are largely unchanged from before, but the AirPods Pro 2 charging case and wired EarPods have switched from the once-inescapable Lightning port to the universal USB-C standard. Minor improvements to the former include dust resistance and lossless audio when paired with Vision Pro.
The new earbuds were announced alongside iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, which also come with a USB-C port. Both pairs of buds are available to order today at the same price as before and will be available on September 22.
AirPods and EarPods switch to USB-C connector
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac
While the regular third-generation AirPods and AirPods Max did not receive an update today, Apple tweaked the case on the AirPods Pro 2 from a Lightning to a USB-C connector. Apple updated the much-forgotten EarPods, its wired earbuds, to the new connector as well.
Apple seems to be phasing out Lightning on its cursory devices, whenever the timing is right — the Apple TV remote switched connectors last year alongside the updated model. But now that the iPhone has made the switch, we can expect a USB-C tidal wave.
New(ish) AirPods Pro 2
Source: Unsplash
Small tweaks to the AirPods Pro 2 include an improved IP54 rating for improved dust resistance and lossless audio if you pair the earbuds to an Apple Vision Pro (available early next year).
If you already own a pair of AirPods Pro 2, you will be not be able to purchase the new case separately — despite what people assumed.
The tweaked AirPods Pro 2 are still sold at $249, the same price as before. You can order them today.
Another iteration of EarPods
After introducing AirPods, Apple kept the wired EarPods available for sale. Originally shipped with a headphone jack, EarPods were updated with a Lightning connector after the former was dropped from the iPhone 7 models.
Amazingly, EarPods have been given yet another new life with a USB-C port. You can order EarPods (USB-C) for $19 starting today.
