Apple AirPods Pro 2 USB Type-C charging case now available separately for $99 with IP54 protection

A few months have passed since Apple introduced a refreshed version of the AirPods Pro 2 (curr $199.99 on Amazon), which it introduced during its annual fall hardware event. To recap, the main difference between the updated AirPods Pro 2 earbuds themselves and their predecessors appeared to be 'lossless audio with ultra-low latency. However, this feature seemed tied to the company's Vision Pro headset.

Thus, Apple also markets the new AirPods Pro 2 as supporting USB Type-C charging, a distinguishing feature from its Lightning-based predecessor. Initially, there was no way to add USB Type-C charging to a pair of existing AirPods Pro 2, other than to purchase a new pair of earbuds as well. For some reason, Apple has waited the best part of three months to offer its updated charging case separately, which can be ordered in multiple markets.

For reference, Apple charges $99 for its USB Type-C charging case. In other words, the charging case itself is approximately 40% the price of buying a new pair of AirPods Pro 2 outright, making it an expensive upgrade for existing owners. The new charging case adds IP54 dust and water resistance too, although this is a significantly weaker IP rating than Apple's recent iPhones.