I'm actually shocked they didn't update the Airpods Max with a version 2 with USB-C.

I could have sworn that was usb c already. You seriously plug a lightning into those?

I was skeptical at first too, but yep, current AirPod Max model uses Lightning to charge.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211886

I love my AirPods Pro, but I don't feel the need to upgrade the earbuds themselves. Since the USB-C port is on the case, you'd think we could just buy a new case... but I'm guessing that's too much to hope for.

It's ridiculously annoying you have to make an appointment, but you can get a replacement case. I haven't checked with how compatible the models are between earbuds and cases. The USB-C replacement case is quoted at $99. The same price as the lightning version.

https://support.apple.com/airpods/repair

Really annoyed by this. Just fucking call them Gen 3?! They’ve got a new chip, new port, so it doesn’t look different? Bought the 2s a month ago for and regretting it a little

I’m mad because I saw this coming but I lost mine in a move last month. I use them basically every day so I didn’t want to wait for a new model.

I’m not upgrading my iPhone soon so I’ll still be using lighting, so it isn’t like I’ll have just headphones that don’t use USB C. I’ll keep these for quite a while I’m just annoyed this is how it played out.

The H2 chip came out in the AirPods Pro 2 in 2022. All of the features they describe are available once your AirPods have firmware updated. Except USB-C.

Apple upgrades (!) AirPods Pro with USB‐C charging.

now you can carry 50% less charging cables...