Apple’s USB-C AirPods Pro case is now available solo for $99،
Last September, Apple launched its latest iPhone 15 series, leading to a decisive shift towards adopting USB-C as its charging standard, bidding farewell to the Lightning port. Apple didn't stop there: it also changed the physical charging jack on the second-generation AirPods Pro. However, getting a USB-C case for your earphones involved purchasing a whole new set of AirPods Pro. Well, like Engadget reports, there is a twist in the plot. Apple now sells the AirPods Pro USB-C case separately. This standalone case costs $99, a significantly lighter cost on the wallet than the previous $249 deal.
Maybe you caught the iPhone15 and are you considering ditching Lightning cables altogether? This might be worth grabbing. And if you've misplaced your old case and need a replacement, why not upgrade to the USB-C version at this point? It's worth noting that Apple specifies the case's compatibility only with the second-generation AirPods Pro.
Apple's move away from Lightning to USB-C isn't just a chance decision; It is in response to the European Union mandate that most rechargeable devices sold in the region must be equipped with a USB-C charging port by the end of 2024. While Apple had already started to adopt the USB-C in iPads, the transition from the iPhone marked a significant change.
Although USB-C and Lightning ports serve as connectors for charging and data transfer, their speed capabilities differ significantly. USB-C takes the lead with data transfer speeds of up to 40Gbps, besting Lightning's 480Mbps. Additionally, USB-C offers higher power of up to 240 watts, leaving Lightning's 25-watt limit in the dust.
This makes USB-C more efficient at charging larger devices and facilitates fast charging technologies. When it comes to universality, USB-C once again stands as an open standard, widely adopted by various devices including smartphones, laptops, and external storage drives. Having a single cable for almost all your devices can be very convenient, don't you think?
