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Apple is reportedly planning to release a new version of its AirPods Pro with a USB-C charging case later this year, according to Apple industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The updated AirPods Pro will replace the current Lightning charging case, which was launched alongside the second-generation AirPods Pro in September 2022.
Although it’s uncertain whether any other hardware changes will be implemented in the new AirPods Pro, Kuo believes that the references to new AirPods discovered in the iOS 16.4 Release Candidate last week are related to the USB-C version of the AirPods Pro.
Apple has a history of updating charging cases mid-cycle, as seen with the MagSafe-compatible charging case for the AirPods Pro. However, it’s unclear if the USB-C charging case will be sold separately or only as part of the new AirPods Pro.
The current version of the AirPods Pro charging case includes several features, such as a built-in speaker for locating the case, a U1 chip for Find My support, and compatibility with the Apple Watch charger. All four iPhone 15 models, set to release later this year, are expected to come with a USB-C port, making it sensible for the AirPods Pro charging case to switch to USB-C as well.
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Apple has no plans to release USB-C charging cases for the second-generation or third-generation AirPods, indicating that the standard AirPods may not feature a USB-C charging case until the fourth-generation AirPods are released. The third-generation AirPods were launched in October 2021.