Apple is expected to launch the next-generation AirPods Pro 2 this fall with a new design, improved audio, health sensors, improved battery, and more. TF Securities tech analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims that Apple will continue with the Lightning connector in the charging case of the 2022 AirPods Pro model and USB-C support will come next year.
For a while, consumers, and legislators have been pushing tech companies to adopt USB-C charging ports in mobile devices because a common connector will help in the reduction of electronic waste and will be good for consumers’ wallets as they will not have to purchase different charging cable and power adaptors for different devices.
In addition, the USB-C port also supports data transfer at a higher rate, a relatively larger charging current, and reverse charging.
Apple might switch all AirPods and iPhones to USB-C charging port
Apple has been slow in adopting the USB-C port. Starting in 2018, the company updated the iPad lineup with USB-C port: iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation or later), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation or later), iPad Air (4th generation or later), iPad mini (6th generation).
And it is expected that by 2023, Apple will introduce the advanced connector in the AirPods lineup. But, AirPods Pro 2 launching this year will feature a Lightning connector. Kuo wrote on Twitter that;
I predict Apple will launch USB-C-capable charging cases for all AirPods models in 2023. However, the charging case of the new AirPods Pro 2 launched in 2H22 may still support Lightning.
Previously, it was reported that iPhone 15 coming in 2023 will feature a USB-C port. This means that all AirPods and iPhones launching next year might be shipped with a USB-C port.
With increasing pressure from legislators, the adoption of USB-C seems like the logical step for Apple.
The European Commission has passed a new “Radio Equipment Directive” bill to force manufacturers of consumer electronics to adopt USB-C as a standard charging port by 2024 in all mobile phones, tablets, and other portable devices. Brazil has also proposed similar legislation for smartphone manufacturers in the spirit of providing “greater convenience for consumers”.
