Apple Reportedly Releasing USB-C Case for AirPods Pro with iPhone 15 Launch
According to renowned Apple insider Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, Apple is expected to release a USB-C case for its AirPods Pro alongside the launch of the iPhone 15 lineup later this year. This move is in line with the anticipated switch from Lightning to USB-C across the iPhone 15 series.
Earlier this year, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also reported that Apple plans to release a second-generation AirPods Pro with a USB-C charging case. However, it remains uncertain if there will be any other hardware changes for the AirPods Pro in 2023. Gurman’s report seems to suggest that no additional changes are on the horizon.
In terms of software, Gurman revealed that Apple is working on a new hearing test feature specifically for the AirPods Pro. The feature is designed to detect possible hearing issues by playing various tones and sounds to gauge a person’s hearing capabilities. This feature will be added to the wide range of other AirPods features that will come with the release of iOS 17.
Looking further ahead, Gurman reiterated previous rumors indicating that Apple is developing additional health sensors for future generations of AirPods. One of these sensors will enable the reading of body temperature from the ear canal, which is believed to be a more accurate method compared to reading temperature from the wrist, as done by the Apple Watch Series 8 and Ultra models during sleep.
On a separate note, Gurman discussed how Apple is exploring the possibility of positioning AirPods as a hearing aid. The company aims to build on existing features like Conversation Boost and Live Listen, with the goal of enhancing accessibility for individuals with hearing impairments. Although these features have not yet obtained regulatory approval, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently eased hearing aid purchase rules, prompting Apple to hire engineers from traditional hearing aid makers and capitalize on this opening in the market.
In other news, some M1 Mac users have been reporting concerning SSD health readings. It appears that these devices are writing unusually large amounts of data to their drives within a short period. Users have taken to Twitter and the MacRumors forums to express their concerns. Apple has yet to provide an official statement or solution to this issue.
As always, it is advisable to take rumors and speculations with a grain of salt until official announcements are made by Apple.