An update to the AirPods Pro wireless headphones (second generation) was another of the anticipated announcements at Apple’s keynote, which we covered live yesterday afternoon to unveil the iPhone 15 and the new Watch smartwatch. But the presentation took place without an official announcement, with only a minimal mention when talking about mobile phone charging systems.

After the keynote, Apple sent out press releases to confirm the launch of the new headphones. You already know the most remarkable news: «The new AirPods Pro now include a USB-C connectorso only one cable is needed to charge Mac, iPad, AirPods and all iPhone 15 models. In addition, users can charge AirPods directly with the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, which now also has a USB-C connector ».

Last year’s model has several other minor innovations, such as IP54 certification which improves the headset’s dust resistance and support for lossless audio, although in this case it will only be available with the Vision Pro headset. The headphones will also benefit from new features that come with the iOS 17 operating system, such as adaptive sound, conversation detection or custom volume using machine learning.

AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) will be available in more than 30 countries and regions from September 22 for 279 euros. State that wired headphones will be available on the same day EarPods (also with USB Type-C) with a price of 19 euros. More information | Manzana

Apple and USB Type-C [Opinión]

Although we talked about it with you at the iPhone 15 launch, we didn’t want to end our coverage of Apple’s keynote without commenting on what the arrival of USB Type-C means for your phones and headphones. Apple’s marketing department is unique in “selling” technologies that the rest of the industry adopted years ago and now promotes as if they were wildfire inventions.

The truth is like this USB adoption is a setback for Apple and its Numantian defense of its proprietary Lightning port without technical reasons justifying it, but for commercial reasons. Simply put, Apple had to jump through hoops if it didn’t want to lose billions of dollars involved in the sale of mobile phones or headphones in the European Union after the approval of the single charger rule.

Generic standards are essential in the technology industry and should be the standard to use for the benefit of the consumer, the planet to reduce e-waste and in the long run the manufacturer as well. And if these do not fit, Governments and regulators must act. The results (although it is mandatory) are visible: iPhone and AirPods with a USB Type-C connector.