EarPods With USB-C Said to Be in Mass Production Ahead of iPhone 15 Launch - MacRumors
Skip to Content

EarPods With USB-C Said to Be in Mass Production Ahead of iPhone 15 Launch

With all four iPhone 15 models expected to feature a USB-C port instead of Lightning, several Apple accessories will switch to USB-C as well. For example, EarPods with a USB-C connector are already in mass production, according to a tweet today from leaker ShrimpApplePro. They previously said Foxconn is supplying the earbuds.

EarPods USB C Feature Yellow
The new EarPods would connect directly to the USB-C port on iPhone 15 models, without an adapter. Apple's wired earbuds are currently available with a Lightning connector or a 3.5mm headphone jack, with both versions priced at $19.

EarPods have become less popular since Apple released wireless AirPods in 2016, and removed the headphone jack on iPhones, but they remain a more affordable option for customers. EarPods also provide a simple plug-and-play wired listening experience, with a built-in remote and no charging or pairing necessary.

Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 15 lineup in September, and the new EarPods would likely launch around then. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously claimed that other accessories like AirPods charging cases, the MagSafe Battery Pack, and the Magic Keyboard/Trackpad/Mouse trio will switch to USB-C in the future as well.

Popular Stories

apple surprise and shine event

iPhone 18 Pro Pre-Orders Said to Start Saturday, September 12

Wednesday September 9, 2026 5:09 am PDT by
Apple will open pre-orders for at least the iPhone 18 Pro models on Saturday, September 12 at 12 a.m. Pacific Time, claims the X account "ShrimpApplePro," which has accurately leaked some details about Apple devices in the past. Under Apple's typical launch plan, pre-orders begin the Friday immediately following the event, but this year that would be September 11, and Apple has historically...
iOS 27 Next to iPhone

Here's When iOS 27 Rolls Out Today in Every Time Zone [Update: It's Out]

Sunday September 13, 2026 3:00 am PDT by
Update 10:04 a.m.: iOS 27 is rolling out now, though it may take a bit for all users to see it, so keep checking! Apple is about to release iOS 27, which will finally deliver more advanced Siri AI capabilities as well as a variety of other refinements, improvements, and new features to iPhones. It's Apple's biggest software update of the year, and Apple announced at Wednesday's iPhone event...
iOS 27 Icon iPhone

iOS 27 Available Now With These 8 New Features

Monday September 14, 2026 9:00 am PDT by
Update — 10 a.m. Pacific Time: Apple has released iOS 27. During its iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo event last week, Apple announced that iOS 27 will be released widely on Monday, September 14. iOS 27 should be available around 10 a.m. Pacific Time / 1 p.m. Eastern Time today via the Settings app, under General → Software Update. Below, we have highlighted eight new features and...

Top Rated Comments

HobeSoundDarryl Avatar
44 months ago

Why wired still, when most iPhone owners use bluetooth now?
Wired still offers the opportunity for superior audio quality, no latency, not dead when you want to use them, even less risk of loss by one falling out, much longer use life, "just works", much lower consumer cost, broad compatibility with everything, etc.

Except for getting rid of the wire, Bluetooth is basically inferior in every way.
Score: 47 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Jhonjhon236 Avatar
44 months ago

Why wired still, when most use blue tooth now.
Because EarPods cost $19 vs AirPods that cost $129?
Score: 33 Votes (Like | Disagree)
44 months ago

Why wired still, when most iPhone owners use bluetooth now?
I use wired headphones all of the time at the gym. Keep them in the bag, no need to worry if they are charged.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
44 months ago

It's so sad that EU government tyranny led to this. Apple has no freedom to innovate anymore.
Yup. Can't wait for all the busted ports. USB-C is nowhere near as robust or sturdy a physical port. This standard might be great for small electronics that don't see a lot of "in-n-out" action on the port but I don't think this was well thought out when it comes to phones. Had to have mine replaced on my 2017 MBP but never once had a problem with a lightning port.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
44 months ago
If you ask me, this is the most conclusive evidence of a USB-C iPhone.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
slplss Avatar
44 months ago

It's so sad that EU government tyranny led to this. Apple has no freedom to innovate anymore.
They had a lot of freedom to innovate their Lighting ports since 2012. Even today, Lighting speed is limited to USB 2.0 speeds. That came in year 2000!
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)