Apple announced that it will hold aAutumn Special Release EventLater, Bloomberg News reporter Mark Gurman further revealed that Apple will also announce a new AirPods design with a USB-C connection port at the event.
However, it is not yet possible to confirm whether the new AirPods will be the fourth-generation product or an updated version of AirPods Pro.
Apple's move to equip AirPods with a USB-C port means that it may also switch to a USB-C port design for accessories such as the MagSafe battery pack, smart keyboard, and smart mouse, thereby replacing the previous Lightning-based port and connector design.
Such changes are not only in response to the EU's mandatory requirement that all small devices must adopt a market-standard charging interface design. The current market uses USB-C as the main charging interface (earlier, micro USB was used). In fact, it also includes Apple's adoption of USB-C connection ports in the MacBook series to meet the requirements of Thunderbolt connection specifications, and then adjusted the iPad models to the USB-C connection port design.
The benefits of switching to USB-C naturally include eliminating the need for users to prepare additional Lightning cables, enabling higher charging power, and making it easier to connect to other devices and accessories. It can also reduce design costs for Apple to a certain extent. However, the downsides naturally include the fact that Apple will no longer be able to create unique market opportunities through the Lightnong connection interface.
At the upcoming autumn special launch event, Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 15 series, which will all be equipped with a USB-C port design. However, the higher charging power design may only be introduced in iPhone 15 Pro models and above, which means that the standard version of iPhone 15 may only be able to replenish power with general charging specifications and cannot shorten charging time through fast charging. It may even be possible that Thunderbolt transmission support will only be provided in Pro models and above.
