Lost track of the case for your AirPods Pro? Apple would love to sell you a new one with a USB-C port on it.
As of this month, Aussies can now buy a replacement case for the second-generation AirPods Pro that features a USB-C port instead of a lightning one. For now, this replacement option is only available through Apple directly at the cost of $159.
That's not pocket change. There are a ton of true wireless earbuds you can get for that much. Still, it's better than shelling out the $399 that a new set of AirPods Pro would otherwise cost you.
The charging case you're getting here is identical to the one that ships with the latest AirPods Pro, which means it includes a USB-C port rather than a Lightning one. It's also MagSafe-compatible and rated IP54 for dust and splash resistance.
If you've recently lost the charging case for your AirPods Pro or have the money to burn, that means it might be a good option (or the least bad one) for those looking to deal with one less kind of cable in their life.
Apple's shift to USB-C earlier this year came 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 the standard by late 2024.