Apple Releases Third-Generation AirPods With Non-MagSafe Charging Case

In addition to unveiling the second-generation AirPods Pro today, Apple made the third-generation AirPods available with a Lightning charging case that lacks MagSafe wireless charging. This version of the case can be charged with a Lightning cable only.

AirPods 3 Charging Case
Pricing for the third-generation AirPods with a Lightning case is set at $169 in the United States, compared to $179 for the third-generation AirPods with a MagSafe case, so it seems like there is very limited value in choosing this new option.

Apple did not announce any other updates to the third-generation AirPods today, and the second-generation AirPods remain available for $129.

The new AirPods Pro feature an H2 chip for improved audio quality and up to 2x the amount of active noise cancellation, improvements to Transparency mode, a revamped charging case with Find My support and a built-in lanyard loop, Bluetooth 5.3, and more.

Related Roundup: AirPods 3
Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Don't Buy)
Related Forum: AirPods

Top Rated Comments

HeavenDynamic Avatar
17 months ago
OK, but why?
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
burnout8488 Avatar
16 months ago

The AP3 wireless case can't charge with a cable (like the Apple Watch).

Yes it can - per the specs on Apple.com : The Lightning Charging Case works with the Lightning connector. The MagSafe Charging Case works wirelessly with MagSafe charger and Qi-certified chargers or with the Lightning connector.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
brofkand Avatar
16 months ago

The decision is simple: they wanted to save money and probably physical space by not offering both wireless and wired charging in the same device. It's a user option.

The AP3 wireless case can't charge with a cable (like the Apple Watch).

I will likely buy the one that charges from a cable. Wireless would be yet *another* charger to take on the road. I'd buy the non-wireless-charging version even if they were the same price; the $10 discount is a nice bonus but the decision has nothing to do with price and everything to do with convenience.

ALSO, I suspect (but don't know) that if the EU ever decides to require standardization on USB-C chargers, Apple will just stop selling the Lightning-wired version in the EU.
You've never seen AirPods cases have you? They all have a Lightning port on them.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mcru21 Avatar
17 months ago
this is hilariously stupid
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
_Spinn_ Avatar
17 months ago

OK, but why?
Yeah no kidding.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Saladin12 Avatar
16 months ago

Read the specs for the new ones. They pretty clearly read as either/or.
The standard case has MagSafe and Lightning as standard... This is a new SKU with JUST lightning - nothing else has changed...

So you either get AirPods (3rd Gen) with MagSafe + Lightning or just with Lightning
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iOS 16 4 Web Push

Apple Confirms Governments Using Push Notifications to Surveil Users

Wednesday December 6, 2023 5:06 am PST by
Unidentified governments are surveilling smartphone users by tracking push notifications that move through Google's and Apple's servers, a US senator warned on Wednesday (via Reuters). In a letter to the Department of Justice, Senator Ron Wyden said foreign officials were demanding the data from the tech giants to track smartphones. The traffic flowing from apps that send push notifications...
iOS 17

iOS 17.2 Will Add These 12 New Features to Your iPhone

Friday December 1, 2023 12:19 pm PST by
iOS 17.2 has been in beta testing for over a month, and it should be released to all users in a few more weeks. The software update includes many new features and changes for iPhones, including the dozen that we have highlighted below. iOS 17.2 is expected to be released to the public in mid-December. To learn about even more features coming in the update, check out our full list. Journal ...
iphone se 4 modified flag edges

iPhone SE 4 May Reuse Existing iPhone 14 Battery

Wednesday December 6, 2023 1:17 pm PST by
Recently, MacRumors has received details on the battery currently being tested on the upcoming fourth-generation iPhone SE, and the information corroborates previous findings in relation to the device. The iPhone SE 4, known by its device identifier D59, is expected to use the exact same battery found in the base model iPhone 14. Partially assembled prototypes of the next iPhone SE have been ...
best buy snowflakes

Best Buy's New Weekend Sale Has Record Low Prices on MacBook Pro and MacBook Air

Friday December 8, 2023 7:37 am PST by
Best Buy's month-long holiday sale continues this weekend with multiple all-time low prices on Apple's line of MacBook Pro and MacBook Air computers. In addition to Apple notebooks, Best Buy's event has discounts sitewide on home appliances, TVs, video games, and more. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive...
beeper mini

Apple Puts a Stop to Beeper Mini's iMessage for Android Feature

Friday December 8, 2023 2:24 pm PST by
Apple appears to have closed the loophole that Beeper Mini used to bring iMessage to Android, putting a stop to blue bubbles from Android devices. Beeper Mini quit working earlier today, with users receiving "failed to lookup on server: lookup request timed out" error messages. Beeper said on Twitter that it is investigating the issue, but Beeper CEO Eric Migicovsky told TechCrunch that "all ...
maxresdefault

Review: Two Months With the iPhone 15 Pro Max

Thursday December 7, 2023 12:04 pm PST by
Apple's iPhone 15 lineup came out in September, and while most reviews are done shortly after a new device launches, we like to follow up with a longer term review that gives us an opportunity to provide a deeper dive into what it's like using these phones on a day to day basis for months. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. MacRumors videographer Dan Barbera has been...
anker new gold

Anker Begins Countdown to Christmas Sale With Up to 50% Off Popular Charging Accessories

Thursday December 7, 2023 7:55 am PST by
Anker has launched its newest holiday sale, this one offering a special deal every day in the lead-up to Christmas. These sales offer up to 50 percent off select products, and include discounts on USB-C chargers, portable batteries, and much more. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which ...
12

Apple to Launch Two iPad Air and Two OLED iPad Pro Models Early Next Year

Wednesday December 6, 2023 9:53 am PST by
To boost falling iPad sales, Apple has a major refresh planned for the iPad lineup in early 2024, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Apple plans to debut new iPad Air and iPad Pro models, both of which will feature notable changes. The iPad Air will come in two sizes like the iPad Pro for the first time. The smaller model will continue to measure in at 10.9 inches, but the larger version...