No, AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 cases differ in size, shape, and design, making them incompatible with each other.
Understanding the Design Differences Between AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 Cases
The charging cases for AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 may look similar at a glance, but they have distinct differences that affect compatibility. Apple designed each case specifically to fit the earbuds it houses, which means the physical dimensions, internal layout, and charging mechanisms are tailored uniquely.
AirPods Pro cases are slightly wider and shorter with a more rectangular shape featuring rounded edges. This design accommodates the bulkier earbuds with silicone tips and active noise cancellation hardware. On the other hand, AirPods 3 cases are taller and slimmer, reflecting the earbuds’ stem-like design without silicone tips. This difference in shape means you cannot simply swap or interchange one case for the other.
Beyond size, the hinge mechanism also varies subtly. The AirPods Pro case has a more robust hinge to support frequent opening and closing due to its wider form factor. The AirPods 3 case uses a slimmer hinge suited for its compact design. These structural distinctions ensure that each case securely holds its respective earbuds without risk of damage or loose fit.
Dimensions and Weight Comparison of Both Cases
To fully grasp why these cases aren’t interchangeable, it helps to look at their physical measurements side by side. The following table breaks down key dimensions and weights for both charging cases:
| Case Model | Dimensions (mm) | Weight (grams) |
|---|---|---|
| AirPods Pro Case | 45.2 x 60.6 x 21.7 | 45.6 |
| AirPods 3 Case | 46.4 x 54.4 x 21.38 | 37.91 |
The AirPods Pro case is wider but shorter in height compared to the AirPods 3 case, which is taller but narrower. Weight differences also reflect this variation — the Pro case is heavier due to extra internal components like microphones for noise cancellation integration.
These contrasting dimensions mean that even if you tried placing an AirPods Pro earbud inside an AirPods 3 case or vice versa, it simply wouldn’t fit properly or charge correctly.
Charging Compatibility: Why It Matters
Both cases support wireless charging via Qi standards and have Lightning ports for wired charging; however, their internal charging contacts differ slightly due to earbud shapes and battery placement.
Inside each case are precisely positioned metal contacts that align with specific points on the earbuds to deliver power efficiently during storage. Because the earbuds’ designs vary between models—especially with the addition of active noise cancellation hardware in the Pro—the contact points inside each case are not identical.
This means placing an AirPod Pro earbud into an AirPods 3 case won’t line up correctly with charging contacts, leading to no charge or intermittent connection issues. Similarly, an AirPod from the third generation won’t charge properly inside a Pro case.
The Role of Firmware and Pairing Technology
Another subtle but important factor is how Apple’s software handles pairing between earbuds and their specific cases. Each case contains firmware that communicates with its paired earbuds for functions like battery status display, automatic ear detection, and spatial audio activation.
Using mismatched cases can interfere with this communication chain because of firmware incompatibility or mismatched hardware IDs stored on both devices. This could result in erratic behavior such as failed pairing attempts or incorrect battery readings on your iPhone or Mac.
Visual Differences That Reveal Case Compatibility
If you’re unsure whether two cases are interchangeable just by feel or size alone, visual cues can help identify them quickly:
- AirPods Pro Case: Squat rectangular shape with a wider footprint; status LED light sits on the front center.
- AirPods 3 Case: Taller vertical rectangle; status LED light also on front but slightly smaller.
- Lid Design: The hinge on the Pro is more robust; it feels sturdier when opened compared to the slimmer hinge of the third-gen model.
- Material Finish: Both use glossy white plastic but subtle texture differences exist due to manufacturing variations.
These small details make all the difference when determining if one case will fit another model’s earbuds.
The Risks of Using Non-Compatible Cases
Trying to cram an AirPod into a non-matching charging case isn’t just inconvenient—it can potentially damage your valuable device components.
Forcing an earbud into a wrong-sized slot may scratch or deform delicate mesh covers over speakers and microphones. It can also misalign charging contacts causing poor electrical connections that degrade battery health over time.
Additionally, non-compatible cases may fail to close properly once earbuds are inserted incorrectly, exposing internal electronics to dust or moisture risks during transport.
Why Apple Avoids Universal Cases
Apple’s decision not to create universal charging cases stems from prioritizing safety and performance over convenience alone. By designing dedicated cases per model line:
- The company ensures optimal protection tailored for each earbud’s unique shape.
- The charging efficiency remains high through precise contact placements.
- The seamless integration of software features tied closely with hardware minimizes bugs.
- User experience remains consistent across product generations despite external similarities.
While it might seem simpler if all models shared one standard case format, this approach could compromise reliability and increase repair costs due to misuse or damage from improper fits.
The Impact on Accessories: Cases Within Cases?
Third-party manufacturers often produce protective shells or skins designed specifically for either AirPods Pro or AirPods 3 cases—not both interchangeably—highlighting their distinct form factors again.
If you pick up a silicone cover meant for an AirPods Pro case expecting it to fit your third-gen model’s slim profile, chances are slim it will snap on snugly without gaps or looseness.
This differentiation extends beyond just Apple-branded products into every accessory niche supporting these devices—from car mounts to wireless chargers designed around exact dimensions.
Summary Table: Key Differences Between AirPods Pro And AirPods 3 Cases
| Feature | AirPods Pro Case | AirPods 3 Case |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (mm) | 45.2 x 60.6 x 21.7 | 46.4 x 54.4 x 21.38 |
| Weight (g) | 45.6 grams | 37.91 grams |
| Lid Hinge Strength | Robust & wide hinge design | Slimmer hinge mechanism |
| Status LED Placement | Front center larger LED | Slightly smaller front LED |
| Earpod Fit & Charging Contacts Alignment | Tuned for bulky silicone tip buds | Tuned for stem-style buds without tips |
| Casing Material Finish & Texture | Smooth glossy white plastic | Smooth glossy white plastic (slightly different texture) |
| Cable Port Type | Lightning port + Qi wireless charging compatible | Lightning port + Qi wireless charging compatible |
| Batteries Inside Case | Slightly larger battery capacity due to size | Slightly smaller battery capacity optimized for form factor |
| Firmware Compatibility | Specifically paired with respective earbuds | Specifically paired with respective earbuds |
Key Takeaways: Are AirPods Pro And AirPods 3 Cases The Same?
➤ Different sizes: AirPods Pro cases are larger than AirPods 3.
➤ Shape varies: Pro cases have a wider, rectangular shape.
➤ Charging compatibility: Both support wireless charging.
➤ Accessory mismatch: Cases are not interchangeable between models.
➤ Design differences: AirPods Pro cases have a front LED light.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 cases the same size?
No, AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 cases differ in size. The AirPods Pro case is wider and shorter, while the AirPods 3 case is taller and slimmer. These size differences prevent the cases from being interchangeable.
Can I use an AirPods Pro case for AirPods 3 earbuds?
No, you cannot use an AirPods Pro case for AirPods 3 earbuds. The internal layout and charging contacts are designed specifically for each model, so swapping cases will result in improper fit and charging issues.
What design differences exist between AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 cases?
The AirPods Pro case is more rectangular with rounded edges to fit bulkier earbuds with silicone tips. The AirPods 3 case is slimmer and taller, reflecting its stem-like earbud design without silicone tips.
Do the hinge mechanisms differ between AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 cases?
Yes, the hinge on the AirPods Pro case is more robust to support its wider form factor, while the AirPods 3 case uses a slimmer hinge suited for its compact design. These differences affect durability and feel.
Are charging features compatible between AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 cases?
Both cases support Qi wireless charging and have Lightning ports, but their internal charging contacts differ. This means each case only properly charges its specific earbuds, preventing cross-compatibility.