It appears that the iPhone 15 isn’t the only Apple product to ditch the Lightning connector for a USB-C port.
Earlier this week, Twitter user @aaronp613 discovered two unknown AirPods models in the iOS 16.4 release candidate: “A3048” (model of AirPods) and “A2968” (model of AirPods case).
Now, the respected and usually reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has formed his theory about what the symbols indicate.
“I think this is most likely the USB-C version of the AirPods Pro 2, with mass shipments expected in 2Q23-3Q23,” Kuo said. chirp (Opens in a new tab).
On the surface, this makes perfect sense. After all, Apple has indicated that it will comply with EU legislation that requires electronics to adopt USB-C with similar plans for the upcoming iPhone 15.
However, an interesting question remains. If this is just a USB-C charger update for an existing model of AirPods, why would the earphones themselves need a new number? There’s no reason to think existing models won’t be compatible with the new charging case, after all.
This was a point the original source of the model numbers @aaronp613 posted on Twitter:
This would make sense for the case, but why would there be a new model number for the AirPods themselves?March 24, 2023
Perhaps this is a sign that this points to something else — perhaps the long-rumored AirPods Lite? Or maybe Apple plans to make changes to the AirPods Pro 2 bundled in the future that are too minor to make a big song and dance around. After all, there are currently three different model numbers for the AirPods Pro 2 (Opens in a new tab)and there are no obvious differences between them.
Perhaps even more interesting is what Kuo said next in his tweet. “By the way, it appears that Apple currently has no plans for USB-C versions of AirPods 2 and 3,” the analyst added.
If true, given how reluctant Apple has been to abandon Lightning in the past, it’s an interesting assessment of where the company has gone today. It suggests that USB-C is now the premium choice — whether that’s thanks to the convenience across devices, or because of the faster charging, remains to be seen.
It offers an intriguing way to upsell for iPhone 15 buyers later this year who are also shopping for AirPods: either buy the more expensive product (AirPods 2 Pro or Wireless Charging Case) or be content with the inconvenience of having to keep the tags on a spare Lightning cable.
Of course, unless it tantalizingly kills the line completely, Apple will eventually get non-Pro AirPods with USB-C charging, but EU legislation doesn’t kick in until December 28, 2024. So there’s some time to continue pushing the AirPods’ Lightning cable, if the company sees a business advantage. in doing so.
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