AirPods Pro 2 rumored to get Apple's first USB-C charging case
According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple will only release a USB-C case for the AirPods Pro 2 and not for other versions.

AirPods Pro case
The company recently issued the release candidate version of iOS 16.4 and other operating systems. The code suggested that new AirPods are on the way with the model number A3048, and a new AirPods case numbered A2968.
On Friday, Kuo tweeted that it likely refers to a USB-C version of the second-generation AirPods Pro, with mass shipments expected in the second to third quarter. However, he added that Apple has no current plans for USB-C versions of the AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 generations.
The switch to a USB-C port is due to rules from the European Union that requires Apple and other companies to use USB-C in their devices by 2024. Apple includes the port in newer Macs and iPads, but not the iPhone with its Lightning port.
Specific iPhone 15 models may include a USB-C port, but Apple doesn't technically have to comply until December 28, 2024. But iPhones must have the port starting with the iPhone 17.
Read on AppleInsider

AirPods Pro case
The company recently issued the release candidate version of iOS 16.4 and other operating systems. The code suggested that new AirPods are on the way with the model number A3048, and a new AirPods case numbered A2968.
On Friday, Kuo tweeted that it likely refers to a USB-C version of the second-generation AirPods Pro, with mass shipments expected in the second to third quarter. However, he added that Apple has no current plans for USB-C versions of the AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 generations.
I think this is likely the USB-C version of the AirPods Pro 2, with mass shipments expected in 2Q23-3Q23. By the way, Apple currently appears to have no plans for USB-C versions of the AirPods 2 & 3.
AirPods Pro https://t.co/aWKJvGh1lW-- (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo)
The switch to a USB-C port is due to rules from the European Union that requires Apple and other companies to use USB-C in their devices by 2024. Apple includes the port in newer Macs and iPads, but not the iPhone with its Lightning port.
Specific iPhone 15 models may include a USB-C port, but Apple doesn't technically have to comply until December 28, 2024. But iPhones must have the port starting with the iPhone 17.
Read on AppleInsider
Comments
Seriously, though, it’s time to ditch Lightning. It’s had a good run, but it’s time to move on, until the next great idea.
The duplicate charging cables alone is worth the switch. My iPad has had USB-C since 2021, and unless it’s $50 for the connector, and will add significantly to the price, I’m good with carrying around one cable for the iPad, AirPods, iPhone, and my work phone (iPhone, Android, whatever they give me next year).
When the Apple TV remote came out with USB C and no other changes, it was a clear signal that no new Apple accessories will ever be released with lightning ever again.
But of course, I am sure the bureaucrats of the EU have thought this over carefully (S).
Hopefully Apple improves the AirPods Pro sound quality, too.
I don’t know about you, but my male lightning connectors all wear out over time. Dust or gunk gets on the exposed pins and eventually shorts one out. Then, I’m stuck with a cable that can only be inserted in a specific orientation.
Hell no that would never happen, and it would stupid if it did.
Apple is very much into upsell. If people literally buy into that, nothing will change.
It would seem probable considering the charger makeup doesn’t need to change to allow an alternate charging port. In that way if you really needed/wanted the 2 version, you could buy the current model and purchase the USB-C charger later.