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Apple Not Offering USB-C AirPods Pro Cases As a Standalone Purchase
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Let’s be honest, if you didn’t see this coming last year when it was clear USB-C was coming in 23 and you still bought them, it’s your own fault for falling for Apples marketing BS.
It’s a scummy move by Apple but let’s be honest, they’re always doing it lately so don’t trust them.
It’s a scummy move by Apple but let’s be honest, they’re always doing it lately so don’t trust them.
I just replaced my AirPods Pro because they were making crackling sounds when in noise cancelling mode. The guy at the store mentioned the new USB-C version coming. I asked if there was anything special about the case besides that and he said no. So I got ones with lightning. I don’t need faster charging for my case.
Honestly I wish they’d sell Apple Watches without a band. I have lots of watch bands. Getting a new watch without having to pay for a new band would be nice.
Honestly I wish they’d sell Apple Watches without a band. I have lots of watch bands. Getting a new watch without having to pay for a new band would be nice.
I haven’t charged my AirPods Pro 2 once with the lightning connector, so for me they could remove the port all together. Especially since it works with Apple Watch charger, it’s just way easier to charge it wirelessly.
EU Gives Final Approval to Law That Will Force iPhone to Switch to USB-C
The European Union today gave final approval to legislation that will force technology companies like Apple to switch to USB-C across a wide range of...
www.macrumors.com
They were forced.
This is a joke. Shame on you Apple
If they care so much about the environment as they say they would definitely offer free replacing sets for everyone who’s holding a lightning case for AirPods Pro 2 at the Apple Store or any Apple Authorized seller.
If they care so much about the environment as they say they would definitely offer free replacing sets for everyone who’s holding a lightning case for AirPods Pro 2 at the Apple Store or any Apple Authorized seller.
Aren’t the usb-c models technologically different though? Offering the special audio with the vision pro? As well as dust resistance? That way it avoids confusion with features.
And? Has nothing to do with offering the case standalone which I believe they will do in time.
A little frustrating, but I tend to charge mine wireless for the most part, so can get away with it. Once I upgrade my phone it will be the only lightning accessory I own.
Would have been good if it was available for purchase separately. Adapter is the only way now
Apple touts sustainability, yet their AirPods are notably non-repairable, making them less environmentally friendly. The inability to replace the battery means consumers often need to purchase a new set every couple of years. Essentially, when buying AirPods, one might consider it a two-year subscription to wireless earbuds.
Why update the case if the earbuds are midway through their lifespan? It seems the more "customer-friendly" approach would be to prompt users to buy an entirely new set.
Why update the case if the earbuds are midway through their lifespan? It seems the more "customer-friendly" approach would be to prompt users to buy an entirely new set.
I know we are mainly talking about the port on the case, but where is this “4 hours of lossless audio” coming from??
Well, I think there’s your answer to why Apple isn’t selling just the USB-C AirPods Pro case: most likely the updated AirPods Pro has a different version of H2 chip that allows for ultra low latency lossless audio. The updated H2 chip is also likely allows USB-C charging.
Basically, this is unfortunately more of hardware limitation than marketing scheme for Apple. Otherwise, Apple would’ve likely announced a software update that would’ve allowed Ultra Low Latancy lossless audio and support for USB-C charging case on existing AirPods Pro.
Wonder whether you could 'lose' your existing case and buy a new one?
support.apple.com
Apple Service, Repair and Replacement for AirPods - Apple Support
Learn how to get service for your AirPods. We can troubleshoot the issue and help you arrange a repair or get your lost AirPods replaced. Find out the costs and service options near you.
I am afraid this shows just how far Apple have wandered from their customer first philosophy that distinguished them in the past from the rest of the money grubbing companies that exist today. The transition to USB C could been made seamless and frictionless by making it easy for those of us (all of us?) heavily invested in the Lightning connector infrastructure. No, not everyone needs a USB C charging port because they charge wirelessly, but it was the attention to the small customer friendly things that mattered and now Apple really does not appear to care. It would be so nice for them to surprise us by their unusual attention to making things like a USB C case available for those of us with 6 month old 2nd generation AirPods plus so we do not have to buy a whole new set of AirPods, but it seems that unless these reports are wrong, Apple seem set on screwing with us. Such is life.
It's interesting to see a shift in tone against Apple of late, even in pro-Apple forums etc.. A few years ago this was rarely seen.
I expected that, as much as I wished there was a standalone case. Apple never sold the AirPods Pro case separately for anything, only the AirPods 2 wireless option
It goes in cycles. I left MacRumors for years a couple times because almost every post had tons of negative, whiny comments. I started visiting again in a good cycle. We're in another negative cycle. I'm fine with constructive criticisms but there are way too many "the sky is falling", "Apple is the worst" type of comments. Thankfully, there is a nice ignore feature now.
Apple is not the worst. It’s certainly not the best. The issue is hype over susbstance and claims which clearly dont stack up. Apple is as bad as everyone else here. The consumer is being advertised to more and more and more whilst getting less and less and less. It just happens to be more and more blatant and it’s not just apple. It’s in every sphere of our interactions with the world. Here’s our wonderful new service and we’re removing z and y and z for your benefit. Don’t patronise me and charge me whilst you do it.
Except, now, you have the choice of a wide range of third party USB-C accessories made for other phones, Macs and PCs - not just expensive Apple/MiFi-certified items. For many people, the only "accessory" you need will be the charge cable shipped with the phone - MacBook Air/13" Pro/iPad Pro users should now be able to use the same accessories/dongles/cables/chargers across all three. Those clock radio-style docks with built in lightning are mostly landfill-bound anyway as people switch to wireless. Meanwhile, Apple are still selling phones with Lightning, so many of those old accessories can still find a use.
Plus, Lightning was at the end of its life anyway - it couldn't support USB 3 speeds without an active dongle - the iPad Pro needed USB-C and people using iPhones for video and photography can now directly connect 10Gbps SSDs.
Any "planned obsolescence" was planned years ago when Apple rolled out USB-C across the Mac line and even put USB-C sockets on iPhone chargers. AirPods with Lightning sockets should never have been a thing in the first place.
The craziest thing was putting Lightning on Mac mice, keyboards and trackpads launched after Macs switched to USB-C.
Funny, because in 2016 USB-C made far more sense as a phone connector (phones only have room for one mini connector and have always been dongle-dependent for anything other than charging) than it did as the only connector on the Mac (which even Apple have since backed away from). All of those dongles and hubs that Mac users were forced to buy could have also worked with iPhone/iPad all along...
Forced into doing what they should have done 7 years ago - maybe. Grateful for the EU giving them someone to blame for obsoleting products that should never have existed in the first place - probably.
If they were forced, they were about the only phone maker who needed a push.
Unfortunately, because of Apple's apparent inability to keep the entire range of iPhones up to date, they're still going to be selling iPhone 14, 13 and SEs with Lightning for a few years...