Following the discontinuation of the Lightning connector in favor of USB-C on the iPhone 15, Apple will be gradually introducing this universal connector to all its accessories. The AirPods Pro 2 wireless earphones are the first to benefit, with a new charging case now equipped with a USB-C port. While the earbuds appear unchanged, this simple connector modification could also introduce new features.
AirPods Pro 2: the advent of USB-C
Forced to follow the new European regulation that aims to impose a universal charging port for smartphones, tablets, portable speakers, headphones and earphones from January 2024, Apple finds itself obliged to switch from the iconic Lightning port to USB-C. After the iPhone 15, the AirPods Pro 2 are the first of the brand’s devices to benefit from this change. They now benefit from a universal port, shared with Android smartphones and other mobile devices.
AirPods Pro 2: charging with the iPhone
With this announcement, USB-C will now be present on the iPhone 15 and the latest AirPods Pro 2 model. This will enable the earbuds’ case to be charged directly from the iPhone’s battery using a USB-C to USB-C cable. A feature that proves extremely useful on long journeys where you don’t have the option of plugging it into an electrical outlet.
AirPods Pro 2: a reduced price
Apart from this connector change, the AirPods Pro 2 remain unchanged. Therefore, they still include the excellent active noise cancelling powered by the H2 chip, a full touch-sensitive interface on each earpiece, and microphones for voice calls and Siri interaction. A first for the brand, the manufacturer has taken advantage of the addition of USB-C to lower the price of its earbuds. While the Lightning version retailed for €299, the AirPods Pro 2 USB-C are now available for €279.
With the iPhone 15 and the new AirPods Pro 2, USB-C is now officially the universal connector for all mobile equipment. This facilitates the use and recharging of devices, using a single connector for all needs. You can find out even more about USB-C in our guide: USB-C: the future universal audio and video connector.
