Earlier this week, Apple launched the ultimate iOS 16.4 beta to builders and public beta customers. Contained in the replace, Apple added references to new Beats Studio+ earbuds, in addition to new AirPods. In line with analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the brand new AirPods referenced on this replace are doubtless the USB-C model of AirPods Professional 2.
AirPods Professional with USB-C
In a publish on Twitter at this time, relating to the references in iOS 16.4, Kuo defined:
I feel that is doubtless the USB-C model of the AirPods Professional 2, with mass shipments anticipated in 2Q23-3Q23. By the best way, Apple at present seems to don’t have any plans for USB-C variations of the AirPods 2 & 3.
The AirPods referenced in iOS 16.4 use mannequin quantity A3048 and case mannequin variety of A2968. In response to Kuo’s tweet, some are questioning why there’s a brand new mannequin quantity for the AirPods themselves, alongside the brand new case mannequin quantity.
As we’ve coated in-depth, Apple is planning to transition the iPhone 15 lineup to USB-C this fall. Along with this, the corporate can be prone to transition most — however apparently not all — of its equipment to USB-C as properly.
This isn’t the primary time Kuo has reported that future variations of AirPods will use USB-C for charging. Final yr, Kuo mentioned that AirPods in addition to Apple’s different equipment would additionally swap to USB-C alongside the iPhone. This additionally consists of equipment just like the Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Mouse equipment for Mac, and the MagSafe Battery Pack accent for iPhone.
Apple is adopting USB-C on its merchandise, partially, as a result of new laws within the European Union. Beneath the principles, firms have till December 28, 2024, to adjust to the mandate.
The doubtless final result right here is that AirPods Professional are the primary model of AirPods to modify to USB-C, with AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 following at a later date.
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