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Apple Releases Third-Generation AirPods With Non-MagSafe Charging Case

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In addition to unveiling the second-generation AirPods Pro today, Apple made the third-generation AirPods available with a Lightning charging case that lacks MagSafe wireless charging. This version of the case can be charged with a Lightning cable only.

AirPods 3 Charging Case
Pricing for the third-generation AirPods with a Lightning case is set at $169 in the United States, compared to $179 for the third-generation AirPods with a MagSafe case, so it seems like there is very limited value in choosing this new option.

Apple did not announce any other updates to the third-generation AirPods today, and the second-generation AirPods remain available for $129.

The new AirPods Pro feature an H2 chip for improved audio quality and up to 2x the amount of active noise cancellation, improvements to Transparency mode, a revamped charging case with Find My support and a built-in lanyard loop, Bluetooth 5.3, and more.

Related Roundup: AirPods 4
Tag: September 2022 Apple Event
Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Neutral)
Related Forum: AirPods

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Top Rated Comments

HeavenDynamic Avatar
HeavenDynamic
48 months ago
OK, but why?
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
B
brofkand
48 months ago

The decision is simple: they wanted to save money and probably physical space by not offering both wireless and wired charging in the same device. It's a user option.

The AP3 wireless case can't charge with a cable (like the Apple Watch).

I will likely buy the one that charges from a cable. Wireless would be yet *another* charger to take on the road. I'd buy the non-wireless-charging version even if they were the same price; the $10 discount is a nice bonus but the decision has nothing to do with price and everything to do with convenience.

ALSO, I suspect (but don't know) that if the EU ever decides to require standardization on USB-C chargers, Apple will just stop selling the Lightning-wired version in the EU.
You've never seen AirPods cases have you? They all have a Lightning port on them.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
B
burnout8488
48 months ago

The AP3 wireless case can't charge with a cable (like the Apple Watch).

Yes it can - per the specs on Apple.com : The Lightning Charging Case works with the Lightning connector. The MagSafe Charging Case works wirelessly with MagSafe charger and Qi-certified chargers or with the Lightning connector.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
M
mcru21
48 months ago
this is hilariously stupid
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
S
_Spinn_
48 months ago

OK, but why?
Yeah no kidding.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Saladin12 Avatar
Saladin12
48 months ago

Disagree. Read the footnotes:



This makes it pretty clear that only the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have a Magsafe case that *also* has a Lightning connector. Otherwise, the footnote would read "AirProds Pro (2nd generation) AND AirPods (3rd Generation) charging case also works with..."

Otherwise, why call out Lightning specifically for APP2?
From this page: https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MPNY3AM/A/airpods-3rd-generation-with-lightning-charging-case - in Product Information, and then Highlights

"MagSafe Charging Case can be charged either wirelessly using a MagSafe charger or Qi-certified charger or with the Lightning connector"
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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