AirPods Pro 2 with USB type-C case tipped to launch in mid-2023

The recently-spotted Release Candidate version of iOS 16.4 contains yet another potentially significant Apple audio product leak in its code. According to AppleDBdev contributor Aaron, this one pertains to an alleged new pair of AirPods with the model number A3048.

The respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has responded to this tip, claiming to recognize the new TWS earbuds as the first of their line to drop the Lightning port in favor of USB type-C charging out of the box. However, in a possibly unexpected twist, they are apparently not to be brand-new accessories, but yet another version of existing AirPods.

Instead, these 'Pro 2 (2023)' buds are the ones allegedly destined to ship with a new, universal-standard case with the model number A2968 (also now allegedly cited in iOS 16.4 code). The rumored TWS flagship refresh is projected to become available in the second or third quarter of 2023.

Meanwhile, in a potential slight reprieve for Ken Pillonel's "41rP0d$ PRO" business, Apple is slated to have "no plans" for a similar upgrade to the AirPods 3. 

Buy some Jabra Elite 4 Active TWS buds on Amazon