Apple is gradually phasing out the Lightning cable in favor of transitioning to USB-C charging ports across more devices and accessories. Coinciding with the announcement of iPhone 15 devices equipped with USB-C ports, Apple disclosed a modification to the physical charging jack on the second-generation AirPods Pro. Previously, obtaining a USB-C case for the earbuds necessitated purchasing a new set of AirPods Pro.
However, the situation has changed as Apple now offers the USB-C AirPods Pro case separately. The standalone case is priced at $99, a notable reduction from the previous requirement of $249 for an entire set.
For those looking to eliminate the use of Lightning cables entirely (and possibly not keen on wireless or MagSafe charging), acquiring the case alone may be a practical option. Additionally, if you need to replace a lost case, opting for the USB-C version is now a viable choice. It’s important to note that Apple specifies the case’s compatibility only with the second-gen AirPods Pro.
Apple’s shift away from Lightning toward USB-C is not entirely voluntary, as the European Union mandates that most rechargeable devices sold in the region must feature a USB-C charging port by the end of 2024. While Apple had already been incorporating USB-C in iPads, the transition on the iPhone represents a significant shift in strategy.
