Apple no longer bundles a USB-C charging cable with the AirPods Pro 3. Since the earbuds include a USB-C port and support wireless charging, you are unlikely to rue its absence.
This marks another accessory Apple has dropped after the power brick.
AirPods Pro 3 drop the USB-C cable from the box
Apple first stopped bundling charging bricks and earbuds with the iPhone 12 in 2020. Back then, the company cited environmental reasons for doing so. But the move also helped Apple save millions by reducing its transportation and packaging costs. That’s on top of the money it saved by not including the power adapter.
With the AirPods Pro 3, the company is taking things up a level and doesn’t bundle a USB-C cable in the box. While Apple did not mention anything about this during its Awe Dropping event, the AirPods Pro 3 listing on the Apple Store clearly mentions, “USB‑C Charge Cable sold separately.”
There are plenty of ways to charge the AirPods Pro
Since the AirPods Pro 3 feature a USB-C port, you can charge them using any regular USB-C charging cable. Or, you can use a MagSafe or Qi-compatible wireless charger. It’s also possible to charge the AirPods using an Apple Watch charger. So clearly, you won’t be short on charging options.
You can also buy a USB-C cable separately from Apple for $19, though there are cheaper and better alternatives available.
Despite all the improvements, including a heart rate sensor, AirPods Pro 3 carry the same $249 price tag as their predecessor. So, skipping the USB-C cable helps Apple maintain healthy profit margins without raising the $249 price tag.
