Apple Introduces Updated AirPods Pro and EarPods With USB-C and More

by

In addition to the iPhone 15 models getting a USB-C port, Apple today announced that the second-generation AirPods Pro are now available to order with a USB-C charging case for $249, and the wired EarPods now come in a USB-C version as well.

AirPods USB C Port
The updated second-generation AirPods Pro ship with a USB-C charging case, but the case is not sold separately at this time on Apple's online store. Additionally, the updated second-generation AirPods Pro include improved IP54-rated dust resistance for the earbuds and case, and will support lossless audio when connected to the Apple Vision Pro headset launching in early 2024. No other changes were announced.

Apple said the updated second-generation AirPods Pro will begin arriving to customers and launch in stores on Friday, September 22.

Apple continues to sell EarPods with a Lightning connector and with a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Related Roundup: AirPods Pro
Tags: EarPods, September 2023 Apple Event
Buyer's Guide: AirPods Pro (Don't Buy)
Related Forum: AirPods

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
Read Full Article • 56 comments
xiaomi apple ad india

Apple and Samsung Push Back Against Xiaomi's Bold India Ads

Friday August 29, 2025 4:54 am PDT by
Apple and Samsung have reportedly issued cease-and-desist notices to Xiaomi in India for an ad campaign that directly compares the rivals' devices to Xiaomi's products. The two companies have threatened the Chinese vendor with legal action, calling the ads "disparaging." Ads have appeared in local print media and on social media that take pot shots at the competitors' premium offerings. One...
Read Full Article • 206 comments
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Leak Reveals Three Key Changes

Sunday August 31, 2025 1:26 pm PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface. The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas. Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
Read Full Article • 71 comments
maxresdefault

The MacRumors Show: iPhone 17's 'Awe Dropping' Accessories

Friday August 29, 2025 8:12 am PDT by
Following the announcement of Apple's upcoming "Awe dropping" event, on this week's episode of The MacRumors Show we talk through all of the new accessories rumored to debut alongside the iPhone 17 lineup. Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos We take a closer look at Apple's invite for "Awe dropping;" the design could hint at the iPhone 17's new thermal system with ...
Read Full Article • 20 comments

Top Rated Comments

Apple Knowledge Navigator Avatar
Apple Knowledge Navigator
26 months ago

Such a stupid change. Keeping lightning would have been better. Delusional.
Why? The new iPhones feature USB-C charging cables; and most AirPod users will own an iPhone.
MacBooks and iPads are now charged via USB-C.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
_Spinn_ Avatar
_Spinn_
26 months ago
USB C should be very nice!
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Arsenikdote Avatar
Arsenikdote
26 months ago

Such a stupid change. Keeping lightning would have been better. Delusional.

First of all, having one cable for Mac, iPad, iPhone, AirPods is waaay better.
Second of all, it wasn't Apple's choice. The EU forced their hand

Then remove Apple Watch wireless charging and include a USB-C port.

And also remove the MagSafe port from MacBook.

Using your logic...
The point you are intentionally ignoring or are not understanding is that consolidating the types of cables someone needs to posses is considered a benefit by most people. Consolidation down to no choice might not be, but reduction to redundant types is a benefit. For example, wireless charging and wired charging are different methods each having different benefits/trade offs. Lightning has become redundant to USB C and is a layer deeper now splitting the wired options. Since fewer Apple products use lightning than USB C, it makes sense to remove this redundancy in wired charging options, also thereby reducing the number of physical cables a user needs to have.

From a consolidation perspective it is not delusional, it is helpful. Plus as you have also conveniently ignored, they were forced to make the change on the iPhone, further increasing the need to consolidate the redundancy of wired charging/data cable options.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
2010mini Avatar
2010mini
26 months ago
Thank you European Union for forcing Apple to switch to USB-C.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mrkevinfinnerty Avatar
Mrkevinfinnerty
26 months ago
https://www.theverge.com/2023/9/12/23870476/fyi-apples-usb-c-airpods-pro-are-more-durable-than-last-years-pair
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
thejadedmonkey Avatar
thejadedmonkey
26 months ago
Any word on the regular Airpods?
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments