Ordering AirPods Pro 3? In the box, you won’t find a charging cable. Apple’s product pages now say “USB‑C Charge Cable sold separately,” so there are no more doubts: the company’s newest high-end earbuds ship without the add-on many of its purchasers still think is included.
What’s Really Inside the Box
Apple’s package contains the AirPods Pro 3 earbuds, the USB‑C charging case, documentation, as well as a variety of silicone ear tips—a new six sizes to help get the right fit. There’s also no USB‑C cable or power adapter.
You’ll need to buy a separate, official Apple cable if you want one. Apple’s 1‑meter USB‑C charge cable usually goes for around $19, with longer lengths costing more. There are plenty of third‑party USB‑C cables available for less money, but quality and longevity are not consistent.
Why Apple Is Omitting the Cable
This move continues Apple’s general direction of cutting in‑box accessories. The company stopped including wall adapters and wired EarPods with iPhones as of the iPhone 12, citing environmental benefits and its belief that chargers and cables were becoming more readily available in people’s homes.
There’s also regulatory momentum. The European Union’s common‑charger rules nudge manufacturers toward USB‑C for small electronics, a standard that’s now shared by the vast majority of modern phones, tablets, laptops, and headphones. The move comes on the assumption that a lot of buyers already have compatible USB‑C cables.
Environmental groups have long pointed to accessory duplication as a contributor to e‑waste. The world produced about 62 million metric tons of e‑waste in 2022, the United Nations’ Global E‑waste Monitor recently reported, and just less than a quarter of that was formally collected and recycled. Slashing redundant in‑box products is one of the levers manufacturers point to in cutting waste and emis- sions from shipping.
Who Will Be Affected
This change won’t be disruptive for many people—after all, USB‑C cables are everywhere and any standard USB‑C to USB‑C cable will charge the AirPods case. First‑time buyers coming into the Apple ecosystem, traveling folk who prefer having a dedicated cable per device, and anyone migrating from older Lightning‑connected accessories may have to factor in a small additional purchase.
If you are going to buy a cable, select a high-quality brand and a braided option for durability. You don’t need a high‑wattage cable; the AirPods case is taking in relatively little power. All you need is a basic USB‑C cable for use with USB‑PD charging — most laptop or tablet chargers will get the job done really well.
How This Compares to Rivals
Apple is not unique in trying to minimize packaging, but it is more aggressive than many. Most competing premium earbuds from manufacturers like Sony and Bose still usually include a short USB‑C cable in the box, along with various ear tip sizes. That’s the bet Apple is making that cable ubiquity, and the wireless charging alternatives, represent a more than fair trade off in terms of inconvenience.
The trade‑off for clarity: buyers have to peer at the spec sheet. It’s spelled out on Apple’s listing, but the omission can be easy to miss if you’re looking at what accompanied earlier generations of AirPods.
Bottom Line for Buyers
AirPods Pro 3 also introduce refinements such as increased ear tip sizing options, though the in‑box cable is a goner. Check to make sure you’ve got a spare USB‑C cable — or throw one in your cart before you check out. That’s a minor adjustment, but it’s one more indication about how Apple’s accessory strategy continues to favor standardization, sustainability claims and slimmer boxes.
If you’re cable-rich already, you’ll miss nothing. If not, budget a few extra bucks and spare yourself an obnoxious unboxing surprise.