Earlier this week, Apple released the final iOS 16.4 beta to beta testers and developers, which included references to updated versions of the Beats Studio+ and AirPods. The specific AirPods model mentioned in the update is believed to be the AirPods Pro 2 with a USB-C connection, according to Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst.
Kuo provided an explanation for the references in iOS 16.4, stating that the AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C is expected to have wide distribution between the second and third quarters of 2023. He also noted that there are currently no plans to release USB-C versions of the AirPods 2 and 3.
The AirPods mentioned in the update have a new model number of A3048 and a new case model number of A2968, which has caused some confusion among consumers. Kuo had previously predicted that Apple accessories, including the AirPods, would eventually transition to USB-C, but it appears that this transition may not happen for the AirPods 2 and 3 in the near future. This transition would also include iPhone accessories like the MagSafe Battery Pack and accessories for Macs such as the Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Mouse.
