Apple's second-generation AirPods Pro can be charged with an Apple Watch charger, and the feature isn't just a gimmick — it makes the latest AirPods Pro more compatible with one of the company's most expensive charging accessories. Though the AirPods are a popular line of earbuds that garnered a lot of attention, it was clear that the first-generation AirPods Pro needed an update. It had been three years since those truly-wireless earbuds were introduced back in 2019, and in that time, Apple's competition closed the gap. In some areas, Apple's own AirPods and Beats earbuds were capable of outperforming the original AirPods Pro. That led the company to develop a second-generation version of the AirPods Pro unveiled at its 'Far Out' special event.
The most notable changes to the latest AirPods Pro model are found on the earbuds' charging case. It is visually different from its predecessor due to a pair of speaker grills and a lanyard loop. With the included speakers and ultra-wideband, the second-generation AirPods Pro case essentially functions like an AirTag. A U1-equipped iPhone can find the AirPods Pro case with Precision Finding, and the case can play a sound with the included speakers. Technology within the AirPods Pro case also makes it compatible with the Apple Watch charger in addition to standard Qi-certified wireless charging.
To the dismay of some users, the Apple Watch is not compatible with standard Qi-certified wireless charging mats. While nearly all devices capable of wireless charging are compatible with the Qi standard, the Apple Watch is not. For reference, Apple's iPhones and MagSafe accessories are compatible with Qi-certified wireless chargers. Instead, the Apple Watch uses a similar inductive wireless charging system supported by a small, magnetic puck charger. Now, the second generation AirPods Pro is compatible with this proprietary charger, and there's an important reason why.
AirPods Pro 2 Work Better With MagSafe Duo
The second-generation AirPods Pro works with an Apple Watch charger, which might be helpful for some users. Especially when traveling, carrying as few chargers as possible can be beneficial. Since Apple refuses to incorporate USB-C across its product lineup, people fully invested in the company's ecosystem will need a minimum of three charging cables. There is a USB-C port used for charging on select iPads and MacBooks, a Lightning port used on select iPads, all iPhones, and all AirPods cases, and a proprietary Apple Watch charger. However, the real reason Apple brought Apple Watch charger support to the second-generation AirPods is likely due to the MagSafe Duo.
The MagSafe Duo is a portable charging mat with a MagSafe Qi-certified wireless charger and an Apple Watch charging puck. It retails for a steep price of $129 but is one of the best options for compact charging on the go. When the mat was announced, it was perfect for iPhone users who also owned an Apple Watch. Now, it will be just as useful for owners of the second-generation AirPods Pro. With Apple Watch charger support on the second-generation AirPods Pro, the MagSafe Duo can simultaneously charge an iPhone and a pair of AirPods. As such, it's a small change to AirPods Pro that figures to be a big deal for Apple's MagSafe Duo charger owners.