Are AirPods 3 And 4 Cases The Same Size? | Clear Size Facts

Understanding the Physical Dimensions of AirPods 3 and 4 Cases

The question “Are AirPods 3 And 4 Cases The Same Size?” often pops up among Apple enthusiasts and prospective buyers. At first glance, both cases look remarkably similar. However, a closer inspection reveals subtle yet important differences that affect compatibility with accessories and user experience.

The AirPods 3 case measures approximately 2.15 inches (54.4 mm) in height, 1.74 inches (44.3 mm) in width, and 0.85 inches (21.7 mm) in depth. It weighs around 40 grams. The design is sleek with a rounded rectangular shape, optimized for portability and ease of use.

On the other hand, the AirPods 4 case is slightly more compact. It stands at about 2.11 inches (53.7 mm) tall, with a width of roughly 1.73 inches (44 mm), and a depth of around 0.82 inches (20.8 mm). Its weight is marginally lighter at approximately 38 grams.

These differences might seem minor on paper but have practical implications for users who are particular about carrying convenience or who want to mix and match cases and accessories.

Why Do These Size Differences Matter?

Knowing whether the cases are interchangeable or if one fits better in your pocket or bag can save you from compatibility headaches down the road.

For example, if you own an accessory like a custom silicone case or wireless charger stand designed for AirPods 3, it might not perfectly fit an AirPods 4 case due to these dimensional tweaks—even if they look nearly identical.

Moreover, slight changes in case thickness can impact wireless charging efficiency or how snugly the case fits into protective sleeves or holders.

Comparing Design Features Beyond Size

While size is crucial, Apple also refined the design aesthetics and functionality between these two generations.

The AirPods 3 case has a glossy finish with a visible LED indicator on the front center, signaling charging status clearly. It features a Lightning port at the bottom for wired charging but also supports MagSafe wireless charging.

AirPods 4 introduced subtle refinements to this design language:

• The LED indicator has been made slightly brighter and more responsive.
• The hinge mechanism was improved for smoother opening and closing action.
• The overall contour is marginally slimmer to complement its reduced dimensions.

These enhancements contribute to an overall better user experience without drastically altering the familiar form factor users love.

Material Quality and Durability

Both cases use high-quality polycarbonate materials with a glossy finish that resists scratches fairly well under normal use conditions.

Apple maintains strict standards for durability across product lines, so neither case compromises on sturdiness despite their slim profiles.

However, because the AirPods 4 case is thinner, it may feel slightly less robust when held firmly compared to its predecessor—but this difference is negligible for most users.

Technical Specifications Impacting Case Size

The internal hardware changes between AirPods generations influence case size too.

AirPods 4 includes updated battery technology that allows for efficient power management within a smaller footprint. This contributes to why Apple could reduce the case thickness without sacrificing battery life or charge cycles.

Additionally, advancements in Bluetooth chipsets and antenna design enabled more compact internal layouts inside the newer case model.

Here’s a detailed comparison table showcasing key physical and technical specs related to both cases:

Specification	AirPods 3 Case	AirPods 4 Case
Height	2.15 inches (54.4 mm)	2.11 inches (53.7 mm)
Width	1.74 inches (44.3 mm)	1.73 inches (44 mm)
Depth	0.85 inches (21.7 mm)	0.82 inches (20.8 mm)
Weight	40 grams	38 grams
Charging Options	Lightning port + MagSafe Wireless Charging	Lightning port + MagSafe Wireless Charging
Battery Life per Charge Cycle (Case + Earbuds)	Up to 30 hours total listening time	Up to 30 hours total listening time
Material Finish	Sleek Glossy Polycarbonate	Sleek Glossy Polycarbonate with improved hinge mechanism

The Compatibility Factor: Can You Swap Cases Between Models?

The question “Are AirPods 3 And 4 Cases The Same Size?” naturally leads to whether you can swap earbuds between these cases or use third-party accessories interchangeably.

Physically speaking, because of their near-identical shapes but slight dimension differences, swapping earbuds between AirPods 3 and AirPods 4 cases is generally not recommended:

• The earbuds might not fit securely inside a non-native case due to minor size discrepancies.

• The charging contacts inside each case are calibrated precisely for their respective buds; mismatches could cause charging issues.

As for third-party accessories like silicone covers or protective shells:

• A cover designed specifically for AirPods 3 might be too tight or loose on an AirPods 4 case.

• This can lead to poor protection or accidental slipping off during daily use.

Hence, it’s best practice to purchase accessories tailored explicitly for your model’s generation even though they look similar at first glance.

User Experience: Portability & Everyday Use Differences Between Cases

In real-world usage scenarios, these small size variations do impact how users interact with their devices daily:

The slightly thinner profile of the AirPods 4 case makes it easier to slip into tight pockets or slim bags without creating bulk.

This can be particularly appreciated by commuters or those who prefer minimalist carry options.

The lighter weight also adds up over time if you’re frequently handling your earbuds throughout the day.

The improved hinge mechanism on the newer model feels smoother when opening/closing — reducing annoying clicks or stiffness some users reported on earlier models.

The LED indicator improvements make it easier to see charging status under various lighting conditions — handy when you’re on-the-go.

Aesthetic Considerations: Subtle Yet Noticeable Upgrades

Apple’s design philosophy often focuses on refinement rather than radical changes each generation — which holds true here as well.

The visual differences between AirPods 3 and AirPods 4 cases are subtle but noticeable once compared side by side:

• Slightly slimmer edges give the newer model a more modern look.

• A brighter LED adds functional elegance without changing layout drastically.

• The refined hinge mechanism enhances tactile satisfaction during use.

These small touches contribute heavily toward perceived quality even if they don’t jump out immediately at casual observers.

Caring For Your AirPods Case: Tips To Maintain Fit And Finish

Regardless of which generation you own, proper care extends your investment’s lifespan significantly:

• Avoid dropping your case onto hard surfaces frequently as this can cause cracks despite sturdy materials.

• If using third-party covers, ensure they fit snugly without forcing them onto incompatible models — this prevents warping or damage over time.

• Clean your case regularly using a soft cloth dampened lightly with water; avoid harsh chemicals that degrade finish quality.

• If wireless charging isn’t working smoothly after prolonged use, inspect both earbuds’ contact points inside the case for debris buildup that could impede connection.

Taking these steps ensures your device stays functional while maintaining its premium appearance regardless of generation differences in size or design tweaks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are AirPods 3 and 4 cases the same size?

The AirPods 3 and 4 cases are not exactly the same size. The AirPods 4 case is slightly more compact, measuring about 2.11 inches tall compared to the AirPods 3 case at 2.15 inches. This subtle difference affects fit and compatibility with some accessories.

How do the dimensions of AirPods 3 and 4 cases differ?

The AirPods 3 case measures approximately 2.15 inches in height, 1.74 inches in width, and 0.85 inches in depth. The AirPods 4 case is marginally smaller at about 2.11 inches tall, 1.73 inches wide, and 0.82 inches deep, making it slightly slimmer and lighter.

Does the difference in size affect AirPods 3 and 4 case compatibility?

Yes, the slight size difference means cases and accessories designed for AirPods 3 may not perfectly fit the AirPods 4 case. This can impact how well protective sleeves or custom silicone covers fit each model’s charging case.

Why does the size difference between AirPods 3 and 4 cases matter?

The size variations impact portability and accessory compatibility. Even minor changes can influence how comfortably the case fits in pockets or bags, as well as wireless charging efficiency when using stands or pads designed for a specific model.

Are there design improvements along with size changes in AirPods 4 cases?

Beyond size, the AirPods 4 case features a brighter LED indicator, a smoother hinge mechanism, and a slimmer overall contour. These refinements enhance usability while maintaining a compact form compared to the AirPods 3 case.