USB-C AirPods Pro 2 may launch soon, but don't expect refreshed AirPods 2 or 3

Apple is able to transfer the AirPods Professional 2 earbuds to USB-C, however not the AirPods 2 or AirPods 3 in keeping with a brand new report.

We already anticipate Apple to change the iPhone away from Lightning in favour of USB-C when the iPhone 15 lineup arrives later in 2023, however what about its AirPods?

Apple will now reportedly additionally transfer the AirPods Professional 2 to USB-C as quickly as 2023, however those that are holding off shopping for AirPods 2 or AirPods 3 in order that they will get a brand new connector may need an extended wait.

USB-C (nearly) all of the issues

First, some background.

Apple is simply transferring the iPhone to USB-C due to an EU rule that can require all telephones and issues like earbuds and headphones to make use of a standard charger by the tip of 2024. That widespread charger is USB-C seeing as Apple was the one one not already utilizing it.

Shifting the iPhone over is not the one factor that Apple must do, after all. It has AirPods that additionally use Lightning and might want to finally change to USB-C. Now, trade analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says that Apple has plans in place for the AirPods Professional 2.

In a put up on Twitter, Kuo mentioned that Apple is ready to begin mass shipments of an up to date AirPods Professional 2 quickly.

"I feel that is seemingly the USB-C model of the AirPods Professional 2, with mass shipments anticipated in 2Q23-3Q23," Kuo's tweet mentioned. "By the way in which, Apple at present seems to don't have any plans for USB-C variations of the AirPods 2 & 3."

That does after all elevate questions on what Apple has deliberate for the non-Professional AirPods. There's additionally the AirPods Max headphones that should be thought-about — we've not heard rumours of a selected USB-C model but, though there have been claims of an up to date pair of headphones arriving in 2024. 2025 has additionally been talked about, which might be too late for the EU.

The large change is clearly the iPhone ditching Lightning, nonetheless, and that is anticipated to occur in September 2023.