Apple Rumored to Release USB-C Charging Case for AirPods Pro

According to a tweet by well-respected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the tech giant is likely to release a USB-C charging case for its AirPods Pro earbuds. Currently, the second generation of top-of-the-line earbuds comes with a Lightning charging case, but Kuo suggests that the new case could ship as early as the second quarter of this year.

It's worth noting that the USB-C charging case will reportedly come with the current second version of the AirPods Pro, indicating that it won't be a part of any significant hardware update to the earbuds themselves. However, this would not be the first time that Apple has altered the charging setup for its wireless earbuds after their initial release. For instance, Apple changed the charging case to one that supports MagSafe well after the first AirPods Pro buds launched.

Apple has been moving away from its proprietary Lightning port towards the more widely used USB-C connector in recent years. The iPad Pro has used USB-C for years, followed by the iPad Air, the iPad Mini, and the standard iPad last year. Additionally, Apple added USB-C to the Apple TV's Siri Remote and is expected to finally include it in the upcoming iPhone 15.

The shift away from Lightning is partly due to legislation brought in by the European Union last year, which requires many electronic devices sold in the EU to come with a USB-C port. The move aims to decrease e-waste while making life easier for consumers who are tired of constantly dealing with different connectors.

In conclusion, if the rumors are true, Apple's decision to release a USB-C charging case for the AirPods Pro would be consistent with the company's recent efforts to adopt the widely used connector and a smart move in light of changing EU legislation.