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Apple not planning to release USB-C version of AirPods 3

24th March, 2023 at 9:20 pm by Russell
Image credit: Apple Inc.

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Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple has no immediate plans to release a new version of the third-generation AirPods with a USB-C port.
A revised version of the second-generation AirPods Pro with a USB-C port is expected to be released later this year.
Gurman believes that all three AirPods models could eventually switch to USB-C by the end of 2024 due to EU legislation.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has stated that Apple has no immediate plans to release a new version of the third-generation AirPods with a USB-C port. This is despite the company planning to release a revised version of the second-generation AirPods Pro with a USB-C port later this year. Kuo explained that while a new version of the second-generation AirPods Pro with a USB-C port is expected to be released, Apple "currently appears to have no plans for USB-C versions of the AirPods 2 & 3." Image credit: Tucker Bowe This news is significant since Apple has released new versions of AirPods charging cases twice before, to add new hardware features such as wireless charging and MagSafe. Therefore, a new, mid-cycle version of the second-generation AirPods Pro's charging case to switch to a USB-C port is in line with the company's past behavior.

However, it seems that Apple is holding off on offering a USB-C port on the third-generation AirPods until the release of the fourth-generation AirPods. Kuo's comment suggests that this decision may be intentional. Airpods with USB-C port Image credit: Engadget While this news may disappoint some AirPods users hoping for a USB-C port on their devices, it is important to note that Bloomberg's Mark Gurman believes that all three AirPods models could switch to USB-C by the end of 2024. This timeline may be hastened by EU legislation that forces manufacturers to offer USB-C as a common charging port across a wide range of devices.

While Apple has no plans to release a new version of the third-generation AirPods with a USB-C port at this time, it seems likely that all AirPods models will eventually switch to USB-C in the coming years. Until then, users of the third-generation AirPods will have to make do with the Lightning charging port.