AirPods Pro and iPhone 15: A New Addition with a USB-C Case from Apple?

Apple may launch a new charging case with a USB-C port for the AirPods Pro alongside the upcoming iPhone 15 range this autumn, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

In a recent newsletter titled "Power On", the analyst noted that this change is in line with the switch from Lightning to USB-C expected across the entire iPhone 15 range this year.

Previously, in March, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that the company planned to release second-generation AirPods Pro with a USB-C charging case this year. However, it was unclear whether there would be any other changes to the AirPods Pro hardware for 2023.

On the software side, Gurman revealed that Apple is also working on a new feature for the AirPods Pro designed to detect potential hearing problems. This new hearing test feature, expected to be included in iOS 17 alongside other AirPods features, will play various sounds to allow the AirPods to assess the user's hearing ability.

In addition, Gurman confirmed earlier rumours about the development of new health sensors for future versions of the AirPods. One of these sensors would measure body temperature through the ear canal, which is considered more accurate than measuring temperature at the wrist, as the Apple Watch Series 8 and Ultra models do, especially while the user is asleep.

According to Gurman, Apple is also exploring how AirPods could function as hearing aids with enhanced features, focusing on existing capabilities such as Conversation Boost and Live Listen. It should be noted that neither of these features has yet received approval, but the FDA's relaxation of the rules for purchasing hearing aids last year appears to have encouraged Apple to recruit engineers from traditional hearing aid manufacturers and take advantage of this market opportunity.