According to notable Apple insider Mark Gurman, the Cupertino company is gearing up to release USB-C versions of AirPods models to coincide with the iPhone 15 event on September 12th. Here’s what we know so far.
Shortly after Apple announced its fall iPhone event, Gurman noted that Apple plans to introduce new USB-C-equipped AirPods alongside the iPhone as the company transitions from the Lightning port. “To match the new iPhones, Apple will introduce updated AirPods at the event that include a USB-C charging port,” said Gurman in his Bloomberg article.
It’s worth noting that it’s unclear as to which model will receive USB-C at this event or if Apple plans to roll out updates to their lineup in anticipation for the holiday shopping season. Apple currently sells the following AirPods models: AirPods 2, AirPods 3, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods Max. With AirPods Pro 2 being the newest model in the lineup, a mid-cycle refresh doesn’t seem so far-fetched.
I doubt we will see a “refresh” to the AirPods 3 (2021) or the AirPods Max (2020) since they’ve been out for a couple of years and have yet to receive a refresh. I fully expect these models to receive a design overhaul or introduce highly anticipated features like lossless audio support rather than an update to a charging port.
Apple is expected to introduce the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max which may potentially be called an iPhone 15 Ultra, during their “Wonderlust” event on September 12th at Apple Park. We should see updates to accessories at the event as well. The event kicks off at 10 A.M. PST, and is expected to be prerecorded, but the company is inviting members of the press to have a hands-on experience after the event.
