USB panel, Climate panel, radio removal question

Does anyone know if you have to remove the center console ‘cup holder panel’ to remove the USB panel below the Climate knob panel?

Seems like you could just use a pry tool to get the USB panel out without taking the shifter knob off and the whole cup holder panel assembly off. But I’ve not done it, so I’m unsure.

 

For the record, I’ve watched some YouTube videos. It seems most everyone takes the cup holder panel out. I just want to find out that it isn’t necessary....if anyone knows?

 

No it's not necessary to remove the cup holder panel out to remove the USB panel out. Video below from AJT Design shows removing the lower USB panel at about 29 seconds.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-F4S03NqsX8