Apple launched the AirPods Pro 3 at the "Awe Dropping" event after three years of waiting. The latest flagship wireless earbuds are now available for pre-order and will start shipping on September 19.
If you have pre-ordered one of those, you might feel that the retail packaging has become lighter than before. No, Apple didn"t achieve any engineering feat or use any lightweight material. The company has removed the USB Charging Cable from the packaging.
According to Apple"s Tech Specs page for the latest AirPods Pro, this is what you get in the box:
- AirPods Pro 3
- MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) with speaker and lanyard loop
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Silicone ear tips (five sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L)
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Documentation
This is what Apple says on its online store:
AirPods Pro 3 do not include a USB‑C Charge Cable or power adapter.
We encourage you to use any compatible USB-C charge cable or power adapter. If you need a new Apple charge cable or power adapter, they are available for purchase.
While it feels like a void when compared to AirPods Pro 2, it"s not surprising, given that Apple started removing the charging cable last year with the launch of AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC. However, this trend is limited to wireless earbuds; AirPods Max updated with USB-C last year still ship with a charging cable.
Apple hasn"t included a charger with the AirPods Pro lineup from the start, so it"s not even a point of discussion. It"s clear that Apple is cutting some corners, as the AirPods Pro 3 carries the same $249 price tag as its predecessor, the AirPods Pro 2.
That said, the AirPods Pro 3 support a wide range of charging options, thanks to its USB-C port, allowing you to use virtually any USB-C charging cable if you prefer not to pay $19 for the Apple-made charging cable.
On top of that, the case that ships with AirPods Pro 3 supports MagSafe chargers, the Apple Watch puck charger, and Qi-certified chargers.
For the uninitiated, AirPods Pro 3 have arrived with several new features, including an upgraded acoustic seal, heart rate sensing, more battery life, and 2x better ANC. It was recently reported that Apple is planning a two-phased launch for the AirPods Pro 3, and an upgraded, pricier model will arrive next year.