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Apple has shifted its AirPods Pro and EarPods accessories to using USB-C. The company announced the change during its big Apple event where it also announced the Watch Series 9 and other devices. It’s a change that’s been a long time in the making after the company slowly began changing to USB-C for its laptops back in 2015. And with these changes, nearly all of the company’s mobile products use USB-C. Including today’s newly announced iPhone 15 series.
For the longest time Apple used a proprietary cable for most of its products. But it made the commitment to switch and has done just that. This means anyone buying the new versions of these products can now use old USB-C cables and phones. Though you’ll still need to use Apple’s cables if you’re on the iPhone 14 series or earlier.
There are some unfortunate downsides to these changes though. At least initially. And depending on how you look at things.
Apple’s AirPods Pro now come with a USB-C charging case
Here’s the downside. The AirPods Pro come with a USB-C charging case now. But Apple does not sell the case separately.
It is likely that the company will offer it as a standalone buy for those who already own a pair of AirPods Pro earbuds. But for now, only a new pair will have the USB-C case. That being said, we wouldn’t recommend spending that money just to charge the case with USB-C. It would be a better idea to simply wait for the case as a separate purchase option or until your earbuds actually need to be replaced.
On the EarPods side of things, they now come with a USB-C plug. But that also means you won’t be able to plug them into your older iPhones. Since those don’t use USB-C. So the new EarPods aren’t really worth it either unless you’re upgrading to the new iPhone 15 series devices. If you’re interested in picking either of these new accessories up, they’re both available right now on Apple’s website. The AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) with USB-C case retail for $249, and the EarPods USB-C retail for a measly $19.