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The newest AirPods Pro 2 — the version with USB-C charging — aren't even out yet, and you can already save $50 on a pair. Amazon has them down to $199.99 right now, which has become the sweet spot for the version with Lightning that was released in 2022 (those are also back down to $199 today, the lowest price to date).
Apple releases the newest AirPods Pro 2 revision tomorrow. As of writing, Amazon's listing suggests Prime members will get them as soon as September 26. The street date is Friday, September 22.
The original AirPods Pro 2 often bounce between $220 and $250 before dipping back to $199 for a short period, so this is the best deal you'll find on either version. There's a chance they could get even cheaper with upcoming holiday discounts (you can always find the latest prices in our guide to the best AirPods sales), but we wouldn't count on massive savings beyond today's deal.
Buy the newest AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C with $50 off
AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C vs. Lightning
You might be wondering why Apple even decided to launch this new version of the AirPods Pro 2. If you're unaware, the European Union has stipulated that manufacturers must use standardized USB-C charging cables for all devices starting in 2024. That includes mobile phones, tablets and e-readers, digital cameras and gaming consoles, headphones, earbuds, speakers, mice and keyboards, and portable navigation systems. Apple's Lightning port and cable are proprietary and used exclusively for their devices.
So, Apple is finally completing that transition. It has implemented USB-C in the iPhone 15 series, and now we have the AirPods to match. The iPad lineup has already transitioned to USB-C.
- See also: iPhone 15 deals | iPhone 15 Pro deals
In addition to the updated charging port, the AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C also add dust resistance (the Lightning pair only offer water resistance). You'll also get lossless audio when using them with Apple Vision Pro, the mixed reality headset that isn't even out yet (and will cost way more than most will want to pay when it finally launches).
Beyond that, all other changes coming to the AirPods Pro 2 are strictly software-based, and they're applicable to both the Lightning and USB-C model. That means you don't need to upgrade unless you want the added durability and the ability to ditch your Lightning cables once and for all.
Those new features include Adaptive Audio, which can tune out everyday ambient noise while allowing important audio through (such as traffic and sirens). Meanwhile, Conversation Awareness allows the earbuds to detect when you're talking with someone and will automatically lower the volume and enhance their voice. The AirPods Pro 2 can also learn your volume preferences over time and uses computation to tune your audio levels automatically.
New to AirPods? You can read our AirPods Pro 2 review to see whether these are right for you.