Apple is widely expected to announce the next generation AirPods Pro models in the second half of the year. A recent report offered a tentative launch date for the AirPods Pro 2, indicating that Apple may unveil the new wireless earphones this September along with the iPhone 14. The same report states that Apple tested AirPods Pro 2 models with USB-C connectivity instead of Lightning. But an insider now says that Apple will stick with Lightning for the new AirPods Pro models.
The claim that Apple is adding USB-C to the AirPods Pro 2 makes sense in light of recent rumors that the iPhone 15 will switch to USB-C next year. Other reports say that Apple will also move all iPhone accessories that still use Lightning to USB-C when that happens. AirPods are on the list of devices that could benefit from an upgrade to USB-C.
But living with electricity is just as logical. As long as the iPhone stays on Lightning, all iPhone users will have that kind of connector. And that’s all you need to do to recharge AirPods. Apple can always refresh the AirPods Pro 2 with a USB-C case.
Apple AirPods Gen 3 Image source: Christian de Looper for BGR
AirPods Pro 2 To Keep Up With Lightning
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo posted a thread on Twitter reacting wall street journal The story about Apple looking to manufacture its products outside of China. The report said Apple is pressuring its suppliers to look at additional production sites outside of China.
Kuo commented Journal That only Apple can meet such demands. Apple isn’t the only company to diversify its production lines, in response to the recent lockdowns and past logistical issues.
But it is on Twitter that Kuo elaborated on the matter. And that’s where he claimed the AirPods Pro 2 would ship with a Lightning port instead of USB-C.
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5. For Chinese companies, Luxshare ICT and Goertech, which are AirPods series assemblers, setting up facilities in Vietnam instead of India could also reduce potential geopolitical risks.
6. My guess is that the AirPods Pro 2’s charging case will still support Lightning, not USB-C.— (ming-chi kuo) (@mingchikuo) 24 May 2022
Kuo also said that Apple will begin manufacturing the AirPods Pro 2 in Vietnam in the second half of the year, a “successful case of mass production of Apple’s flagship products outside of China.”
Expanding production of AirPods Pro 2 outside of China is easier than with other Apple products. “A relatively not complicated supply chain and Vietnam’s superior production environment” explains Apple’s switch to Vietnam. But Apple can’t do this easily for iPhone or Mac.
In addition, the AirPods Pro 2 new product introduction (NPI) phase will still take place in China. The production phase is where contractors create a detailed manufacturing plan for a new product.
Apple’s AirPods lineup: AirPods 2, AirPods 3, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max. Image Source: Apple Inc.
Production rumors are good news
AirPods maker Luxshare recently told investors that unnamed customers are asking manufacturing partners to look outside China for NPI work. according to this Journal, Kuo also named Luxshare as AirPods Pro 2 assembler.
Kuo’s remarks mostly cover supply-chain-related issues that Apple is facing in China. While he mentioned the alleged Lightning component of the AirPods Pro 2, he did not provide additional details about the earphones.
Nevertheless, Kuo’s remarks are exciting nonetheless. If these production reports are accurate, then after years of rumours, the AirPods Pro 2 should be hitting stores later this year.
More AirPods coverage: For more AirPods news, visit our AirPods Pro 2 guide,
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