The end for the Lightning port is in sight. Apple will remove the charging port from its iPhone models this year, and the AirPods Pro will also be modified.
Apple-analist Ming-Chi Kuo writes on Twitter that the AirPods Pro will receive the long-awaited USB-C upgrade this year. Kuo thus responds to rumors about new AirPods model numbers found in the source code of the iOS 16.4 (RC). He also immediately debunks the stories about the USB-C versions of the AirPods 2 and AirPods 3. According to the analyst, Apple has no plans to develop a USB-C version of those AirPods variants.
In the tweet we also read that the AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C will be launched “in the second or third quarter of 2023”. Apple may launch the updated earphones at the same time as the iPhone 15 series, which is said to be launched in September. Apple could also choose to launch the USB-C variant without any publicity at retailers and in its own webshop.
Comply with EU legislation
With the USB-C version of the AirPods Pro, Apple already complies with the upcoming EU legislation on charging ports. It states that manufacturers of smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, e-readers, (in-ear) headphones, headsets, keyboards and mice, handheld consoles, navigation systems and portable speakers should embrace USB-C as a charging standard. This directive will apply from autumn 2024.
In particular, the European-supported charging standard should prevent consumers from constantly having to throw away their charger, resulting in a growing mountain of waste. In principle, every device should be able to use the same cable and even the same adapter, so that you also need fewer such accessories. The EU also requires manufacturers to support the USB-PD standard: a public standard for charging speeds via the USB-C port.
Goodbye, Lightning port
Apple has consistently used Lightning ports in its iPhones and AirPods to date. With the new AirPods Pro and the upcoming iPhone 15 series, the Cupertino brand is saying goodbye to that port. In recent years, that charging port has already disappeared from the iPad Pro and most recently the cheapest iPad (10th generation) also received a USB-C port.
