By the way, Apple also introduced new AirPods Pro with a USB-C charging case together with the iPhone 15. Sales start on September 22nd.
If you lose AirPods or the associated charging case, as a last resort you have the option of replacing all components individually. This applies to both the 2nd and 3rd generation AirPods as well as the 2nd generation AirPods Pro. However, there are currently increasing media reports that Apple is apparently not replacing the new USB-C charging case for the AirPods Pro 2.
Replacement charging case available from support
In fact, the USB-C charging case – unlike the Lightning case of the AirPods 2nd generation – is not available for purchase through the Apple Store. But that’s no surprise, because sales of the new earphones don’t start until September 22nd.
Nevertheless, it is already clear that Apple will offer the USB-C charging case individually as a replacement part for the AirPods. You can get a cost estimate in advance on the support page for the spare part catch up. The expected price for replacing the USB-C charging case: 119 euros.
TECHBOOK also asked Apple Support about this and received the same answer: “as soon as the case is available, you can buy it individually”.
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Can owners of the “old” AirPods Pro 2 upgrade to the USB-C charging case?
There are more changes in the AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C charging case than previously thought. Not only does the case have a new model number (A2968), but also the AirPods themselves (Left: A3047, Right: A3048). This indicates changes to the hardware itself.
who the Press release Anyone who has read this in the Apple Newsroom already knows what it is. Both the USB-C charging case and the two AirPods have received additional protection against dust ingress. Where the AirPods Pro 2 with Lightning charging case only had an IPX4 rating (“X” stands for “not tested”), the new USB-C version has an IP54 rating. This means that the new model is practically protected from dust, as penetration does not limit its functionality. Apple has them Product page the AirPods Pro adapted accordingly with the addition “protection from dust”.
But there is another innovation that can only be found in the improved version of the AirPods Pro 2. Lossless audio in conjunction with Apple Vision Pro will only be available for the model with a USB-C case. The AirPods Pro 2, which were still current until a few days ago, are not enough for this, even though they have the same H2 chip. So if you want to use the $3,500 VR headset with the highest sound quality in the future, you will also have to buy the “new” AirPods Pro.
Functionally, this could mean that an upgrade to the USB-C charging case is not possible for owners of the “old” AirPods Pro 2. You would then have to purchase the entire package again. TECHBOOK has asked Apple to clarify whether switching from Lightning to USB-C cases is possible. We also asked if there is an update planned for the Lightning version that will enable lossless audio when used with Vision Pro.