Do AirPods Come With A Charger In The Box?

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Unboxing a new Apple device is always a joy. As fun as that can be, it's what's inside that should truly delight. Whether it's a new iPhone or a pair of AirPods, however, you should know what else comes in the box before making the big purchase.

Apple made the switch from its lightning cables to USB-C in 2023 in a move that frustrated many. Not only do its devices now boast USB-C ports but so do the power bricks needed to charge them, rendering your old lightning cords and boxes obsolete. You need both a USB-C charging cord and compatible wall charger to power newer Apple devices, though some items can also be wirelessly charged.

While marveling at the small box housing those new AirPods, you may wonder if everything needed to charge them is included. The answer is no, and what is inside depends on the AirPod model you choose. The AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4 come with charging cases that fuel the earbuds when encased. However, a USB-C charging cable and a wall brick is needed to charge those cases, which are not included, as no AirPod model available as of this writing come with a power adapter.

If you order the AirPods Pro 3, expect to receive the ear buds, a MagSafe charging case, and several silicone ear tip sizes. In a move that deviates from the AirPod Pro 2, Apple is not supplying a USB-C charging cable. The Pros are the only current AirPods that you could charge without a USB-C cord and a charging brick, but you will still need a MagSafe wireless charger to power the case.

While the higher-priced AirPods 4 comes with active noise cancellation, the charging case housing the earbuds is not MagSafe. And once again, Apple does not provide a USB-C cable nor a power adapter that plugs into the wall. However, some older AirPods models do include charging cables. For example, the AirPods 3, which is readily available from third-party retailers such as Walmart or Amazon, comes with both a MagSafe charging case and lightning to USB‑C charging able, although no power brick is included. 

Ultimately, what you will need to buy separately to power your AirPods depends on what model you select and what charging accessories you already own. Apple includes an "In the Box" section for its new products on its website, so be sure to check that out before committing to a purchase.