Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 wireless earbuds may finally arrive this year, but it’s not all good news: the long-awaited buds may not have a much-requested charging update.
Noted According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, mass production of the AirPods Pro 2 will begin in the second half of 2022, which should indicate a release before Christmas. Unfortunately, according to Kuo, Apple is sticking to its guns with a Lightning port on the charging case rather than the much-desired USB-C port.
If Kuo is true, Apple is still hesitant to abandon its own charging method in favour of the more widely adopted USB-C standard. Because Apple hasn’t said anything about the AirPods Pro 2, experts recommend accepting Kuo’s views with a pinch of salt.
However, the Apple analyst has previously shown to be a reliable source of Apple product information. Kuo anticipated that the iPhone 12 would not include a 120Hz display, for example. As a result, we wouldn’t be surprised if he’s right about Apple’s persistent reluctance to transition to a USB-C connector for charging.
While Apple may be hesitant to ditch Lightning, other recent sources imply that the wireless earphones may push the envelope in other ways. According to a patent, the AirPods Pro 2 could use an unique wireless streaming technology that will allow the buds deliver lossless music.
Ride the Lightning
Apple’s proprietary Lightning cable provides advantages in that it allows for reliable quick charging of Apple products, such as the iPhone 13 and the first AirPods Pro — Because USB-C cables aren’t all the same and there’s no way to tell them apart, you can get mixed results.
While it makes sense for the tech giant to convert to USB-C connections for convenience, it’s easy to see why it may stick with its own charging system.
Apple goods that require a Lightning connector for charging are another another technique for the firm to keep its users tethered to the Apple ecosystem. Because Apple licences out ‘official’ accessories, the purchase of Lightning cords provides Apple with a significant stream of accessory revenue.
In comparison, USB-C is a lot more widely adopted technology, and chances are you already own at least one USB-C cable. More frequently than not, USB-C ports may be found on Android phones and tablets, as well as handheld gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch.
However, it’s not all bad news: according to another recent Kuo claim, Apple may eventually abandon Lightning after the launch of the iPhone 14, making the company’s next flagship phone the last to require Apple’s proprietary charging technology. For the sake of convenience, we wish that shift could happen sooner rather than later, but there is a ray of hope on the horizon for Apple fans who want the company to switch to USB-C.