Analyst AirPods models in 2023 will switch to USB-C charging cases

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo thinks that, starting next year, AirPods and AirPod Pros will switch from Lightning cases to USB-C charging cases.

“I predict Apple will launch USB-C-capable charging cases for all AirPods models in 2023,” he tweets. “However, the charging case of the new AirPods Pro 2 launched in 2H22 may still support Lightning.”

Speaking of the AirPods Pro 2, they are likely to be unveiled next month along with the iPhone 14 line-up and Apple Watch Series 8. The next generation of the Pro models will be equipped with a heart rate detection sensor to collect and analyze the wearer’s inner ear data to monitor heart rate, according to a June report from 52Audio. The heart rate monitoring sensor may also support temperature detection, the article adds.

And as for audio performance, 52audio finds that Apple AirPods Pro 2 will follow the acoustic characteristics of AirPods 3, equipped with a combination of customized high-amplitude drive units and high-dynamic-range amplifiers, presenting delicate sound quality. It will also support self-adaptive equalization, spatial audio for dynamic head tracking, audio sharing, and other functions, “providing a rich wireless audio experience,” the article adds.

The AirPods Pro 2 is anticipated to feature an entirely new design that does away with the short stem that comes out of the bottom for a design similar to the Beats Fit Pro. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo thinks the release of the new AirPods Pro‌ will boost shipments to more than 100 million.