Kuo: AirPods Pro 2 will go into mass production in 2:22, but not with USB-C

According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple’s next set of AirPods Pro is expected to begin production in Vietnam soon, retaining the Lightning port for charging.

Following reports that Apple is hoping to expand production beyond China, famed Apple insider Kuo took to Twitter to reveal that Apple’s next best true wireless earbuds, its AirPods Pro 2, “will enter mass production in Vietnam” in the second half. of this year, which could mean as early as July. He says it will mark a “successful case of mass-producing Apple’s core products outside of China.”

He went on to say that ditching China was feasible due to Vietnam’s relatively simple supply chain and “better production environment” compared to most countries outside of China.

Kuo says he predicts the next set of AirPods Pro will retain its Lightning charging port, not USB-C. This comes after the shocking revelation that the iPhone 15 could adopt USB-C in 2023, as reported by both Kuo and Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Kuo has since said Lightning accessories such as Apple’s Magic Mouse and Keyboard and AirPods will also make the switch to establish uniformity in charging Apple devices. It looks like the AirPods will have to wait a while longer for the change though.

Kuo has already announced the launch of AirPods Pro 2 before the end of 2022 and indicates that they will have a new Find My charging case and support for lossless audio on Apple Music.