Apple is said to have plans to release a USB-C version of the AirPods Pro 2 later this year. The standard AirPods do not yet have such a connection. 
AirPods Pro with usb-c
Apple plans to switch to USB-C with all products, partly under pressure from the EU. The transition has already been made with the iPad and MacBooks, leaving two popular products: iPhones and AirPods. They will also probably get a USB-C port this year, but that does not apply to all models. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, only the second generation AirPods Pro from 2022 will receive a small update with a USB-C port this year.
Earlier this week, the Release Candidate of iOS 16.4 for developers was released. In it, Apple has added references to new Beats Studio Buds + earphones and new AirPods. This may be the USB-C version of the AirPods Pro 2. Kuo expects mass production (and sales) of this to start in the second or third quarter of 2023.
However, Apple would have no plans at all to release a new version of the AirPods 2 or AirPods 3 with a USB-C port, Kuo said in a tweet. Apple may be waiting for a fourth generation, which will get more functions. In the past, Apple has often released new versions of the charging box in the meantime, without there being a new generation. For example, MagSafe or wireless charging was added.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says all three AirPods models will move to USB-C by the end of 2024. That does not necessarily mean that there will also be a fourth generation of standard AirPods, because Apple could also release a small interim update for this model.
Kuo already predicted last year that the AirPods and all kinds of other accessories from Apple would also make the switch to USB-C. That prediction is not that far-fetched, since it will be mandatory for many devices and devices from next year to use a universal connection for charging. Apple will also presumably modify the Magic Mouse, TrackPad, Keyboard and MagSafe Battery Pack. Of course we hope that this will also bring new functions.