You probably shouldn’t upgrade to Apple’s USB-C AirPods

Apple has announced a new set of the AirPods Pro, but you'd be crazy to rush out and ditch your current pair for them.

The main upgrade here is that this update to the company's best set of true wireless earbuds features a USB-C port that's used for charging.

While that overdue inclusion might add convenience in that it'll save you the trouble of having to keep track of one more cable, it's probably not worth paying the premium that Apple is asking for if you already own a set. From an audio perspective, the new AirPods Pro comes with the exact bells, whistles, hardware, software and MagSafe compatibility as their 2022 counterparts.

That said, the new AirPods Pro with MagSafe and USB-C do feature slightly better durability. The previous model had an IPX4 rating for water and dust resistance. The new one has an IP54 rating, which means it's better at the dust half of the equation.

According to Apple, the new true wireless earbuds will also offer lossless free audio with the Vision Pro headset once it launches.

In Australia, the new AirPods Pro with USB C will be available at a recommended retail price of $399 from the 22nd of September, 2023.

The move comes alongside the announcement and official confirmation that Apple's new iPhone 15 series will be ditching the Lightning Port in favour of USB Type-C.

While Apple isn't one to name and shame, this shift comes following a ruling by the European Parliament last year that all new phones, tablets, and cameras sold in the European Union would have to adopt USB-C by late 2024.