In a series of announcements during its annual Apple Event, the tech giant introduced significant upgrades to its second-generation AirPods Pro, including a USB-C charging case, enhanced dust resistance, and the capability to support lossless audio when paired with the upcoming Apple Vision Pro headset.

The most notable change is the introduction of a USB-C charging case for the second-generation AirPods Pro. This move follows Apple's decision to transition from the proprietary Lightning connection to the standard USB-C connection for the entire iPhone 15 lineup. 

Users will now be able to charge their AirPods Pro with a USB-C cable, a power adapter, or even directly from a USB-C-equipped iPhone, starting with the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro. This transition is in line with EU regulations advocating for a universal charging standard, reducing electronic waste by streamlining connectivity.

In addition to the USB-C upgrade, Apple has also improved the dust resistance of both the case and the earbuds themselves. While the previous generation was rated IPX4 for water resistance, the new AirPods Pro 2 boast an IP54 rating, enhancing their durability and protection against dust and moisture.

Apple has also revealed that the USB-C charging case for the AirPods Pro 2 will support low-latency lossless audio when paired with the upcoming Apple Vision Pro headset. Thanks to the H2 chip, users can expect an immersive 20-bit 48 kHz audio experience when enjoying content with the Vision Pro, set to launch in the near future. This feature opens up exciting possibilities for enhanced entertainment, gaming, FaceTime calls, and more.

The addition of lossless audio support positions the AirPods Pro 2 as a powerful audio accessory for gaming and entertainment enthusiasts. Apple appears to be focusing on reducing latency and increasing fidelity for gaming and multimedia experiences, making it an ideal companion for the forthcoming Vision Pro headset.

Apple is also rolling out several software-based enhancements for the AirPods Pro 2. Users can look forward to features like Adaptive Audio, which fine-tunes active noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency mode based on environmental conditions, and Personalized Volume, which leverages machine learning to predict preferred listening levels based on user activity.

Another noteworthy addition is Conversation Awareness, a feature designed to automatically lower audio volume and prioritize voices when the user begins speaking, eliminating the need to manually adjust settings during conversations.

These software features will be part of the iOS 17 update, set to launch on September 18, and will be available for both the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods Max, among others.

While Apple's transition to USB-C charging is welcomed by many consumers, it's worth noting that not all Apple devices have made the switch, and multiple chargers may still be required for various Apple products.

The AirPods Pro 2 with the USB-C charging case are now available for pre-order, with shipments starting on September 22, at the same price as before, at $249.