Apple Introduces New Second-Generation AirPods Case With Wireless Charging Support

Tuesday September 12, 2017 12:20 PM PDT by Juli Clover
At today's iPhone-centric event, Apple briefly introduced a new second-generation AirPods case that features support for wireless charging.

The AirPods Case is physically identical to the current-generation AirPods Case, with the exception of a charging indicator light located on the outside of the case instead of the inside.


Apple's new AirPods Case will work with the company's upcoming "AirPower" wireless charging mat, which will be able to charge the AirPods, the Apple Watch Series 3, and the iPhone X or iPhone 8 simultaneously.

Apple does not yet appear to be offering the new AirPods Case either on a standalone basis or in a set with AirPods. It may be coming at a later date, as the AirPower charging accessory is not expected to ship until 2018.

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39 comments


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sinsin07
12 months ago

Missed opportunity to change the "molds" in the case to where you could just easily put the AirPods into the case after taking them out of your ears without having to rotate them. And taking them out, you have to rotate them before putting them in your ear. Just don't understand that design?

I just put them on, put them away. Never been concerned with or worried about rotation.
Seems OCD.
Rating: 4 Votes
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scottcampbell
12 months ago

Does anyone know if the new Airpods are using the W2 chip?

Doesn't appear to be new AirPods, just an updated (optional) charging case for Qi.
Rating: 3 Votes
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jclardy
12 months ago
I think i'll wait till rev 3. I only charge airpods like once a week, so the charging pad doesn't really seem that useful to me. Also with Apple Watch you don't get nightstand mode...
Rating: 2 Votes
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Nozuka
12 months ago
glad my 2 or 3 weeks old airpods or not yet outdated afterall.
Rating: 2 Votes
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Relentless Power
12 months ago
Wireless charging is convenient, but I still prefer lightning and I'm not entirely sold on the charging pad yet.
Rating: 2 Votes
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Anuba
12 months ago

Why no black Earpods? Not everyone likes to wear these white silver accessories.

It's about branding and stubborn principle, mostly. Their subsidiary Beats has no problem offering their products in a gazillion different colors, but Apple will only offer the giant melted Q-Tips look.

Ironically, every time they deviate from the principle and make something in black, they love it. Like the original iPod Nano, which marked the beginning of the 2 color option era (black/white iPods, iPhone 3G, iPhone 4, plastic MacBooks). Or the space grey/black keyboard+mouse combo for the iMac Pro. But they just can't let go of those white earbuds that have been such a strong part of the branding ever since those silhouette ads. Too bad... they would look great in space grey, jet black or product RED.
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Wireless charging is convenient, but I still prefer lightning and I'm not entirely sold on the charging pad yet.

Yeah, I have two docks and two HiRise stands around the house (desk, nightstand etc) because I hate fiddling with cables and I also hate having the phone lying flat on a table, I want it standing so I can see the display. As for iPad, which will have wireless charging eventually I'm sure, I often charge it while I'm using it (playing battery draining games or watching movies). Tethered but usable. An iPad or iPhone on a Qi pad can't be used while charging (except streaming audio I guess).
Rating: 1 Votes
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thisisnotmyname
12 months ago
Spoke with Apple Support and the AirPods themselves remain unchanged, it is just a new case that will be available stand alone. They do not have any expected availability date yet (which probably means along with AirPower mat in 2018)
Rating: 1 Votes
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Askolan
7 months ago

Wireless charging is convenient, but I still prefer lightning and I'm not entirely sold on the charging pad yet.


Why? Wireless headphones deserve wireless charging. If you want cable-less, why not go all the way?
Rating: 1 Votes
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mondaiguy
12 months ago
Missed opportunity to change the "molds" in the case to where you could just easily put the AirPods into the case after taking them out of your ears without having to rotate them. And taking them out, you have to rotate them before putting them in your ear. Just don't understand that design?
Rating: 1 Votes
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u2194739
12 months ago
Airpower... wonder how fast it will charge the devices.... will it be slower than charging with the cable I wonder....
Rating: 1 Votes
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