Do AirPods Pro And AirPods 3 Use The Same Case? | Clear Compatibility Facts

Understanding the Design Differences Between AirPods Pro and AirPods 3

Apple’s AirPods lineup has evolved significantly over the years, with each generation introducing new features, designs, and improvements. Two popular models, the AirPods Pro and AirPods 3, often raise a common question: Do AirPods Pro And AirPods 3 Use The Same Case? At first glance, both models look similar because they belong to the wireless earbud family. However, their charging cases are distinct in several key aspects.

The AirPods Pro were launched with a focus on active noise cancellation, customizable fit, and a more compact design. Their charging case is smaller and wider compared to standard AirPods cases. On the other hand, the AirPods 3 follow a more traditional design inspired by the original AirPods but with shorter stems and improved sound quality. Their case is taller and slimmer than that of the Pro model.

Because of these design differences, the earbuds themselves have different shapes and sizes. This directly affects how they fit into their respective charging cases. The internal moldings inside each case are tailored specifically to hold that model’s earbuds securely for charging and storage.

Physical Comparison of Charging Cases

The physical dimensions of charging cases make it clear why one cannot interchangeably use an AirPods Pro case for AirPods 3 or vice versa:

• AirPods Pro Case Dimensions: Approximately 45.2 mm (height) × 60.6 mm (width) × 21.7 mm (depth)
• AirPods 3 Case Dimensions: Roughly 46.4 mm (height) × 54.4 mm (width) × 21.38 mm (depth)

While these measurements might seem close, even millimeters matter when it comes to fitting earbuds perfectly into their cases for charging pins to align properly.

The shape difference is also noticeable: the AirPods Pro case has a squarer footprint with rounded edges, whereas the AirPods 3 case is more rectangular and slimmed down vertically.

Charging Compatibility: Why It Matters

Charging compatibility depends on proper contact points between earbuds and case connectors. Both models use wireless charging standards compatible with Qi chargers externally, but internally their pins align differently.

If you try placing an AirPod Pro earbud in an AirPods 3 case:

• The earbud won’t sit flush inside due to shape mismatch.
• Charging pins will not align properly.
• The earbuds will not charge or sync correctly.

Similarly, putting an AirPods 3 earbud into an AirPods Pro case results in poor fitment and no charging capability.

This incompatibility means users must use the original case designed for their specific model to ensure proper battery management and device pairing.

Technical Specifications of Charging Cases Compared

Below is a table comparing key technical specs of both charging cases:

Feature	AirPods Pro Case	AirPods 3 Case
Dimensions (mm)	45.2 × 60.6 × 21.7	46.4 × 54.4 × 21.38
Weight (grams)	45.6 g	37.91 g
Wireless Charging Support	Yes (Qi Compatible)	Yes (Qi Compatible)
Lightning Port for Wired Charging	Yes	Yes
Status LED Location	Front center on case exterior	Inside near earbuds slot
Batteries Capacity (Case)	Around 519 mAh lithium-ion battery	Around 398 mAh lithium-ion battery
Total Playback Time with Case (Earbuds + Case)	Up to ~24 hours with ANC off	Up to ~30 hours total playback time

This detailed comparison shows that while both cases support wireless Qi charging and Lightning wired input, their size, weight, battery capacity, and LED placement differ enough to prevent interchangeability.

The Impact on User Experience When Mixing Cases or Earbuds

Trying to mix an AirPod model with a non-compatible case can lead to multiple issues beyond just physical fit:

• No Charging: Misaligned contacts mean earbuds won’t charge.
• No Pairing or Connection: Even if you force them in physically, Bluetooth pairing requires correct firmware communication through the original case.
• Poor Protection:The wrong case may leave earbuds exposed or loose inside.
• Error Messages:Your iPhone or Mac might display errors like “Not Supported” or “Accessory Not Recognized.”
• Lack of Firmware Updates:The original case facilitates firmware updates; using a different one may block this process.
• Diminished Battery Health:If earbuds don’t charge properly due to poor contact points, battery longevity can be negatively affected over time.
• Aesthetic Mismatch:The cases have distinct designs that don’t complement each other visually if mismatched.
• No Warranty Coverage:
• Poor Resale Value:
• User Frustration:
• Lack of Convenience Features:
• No Support for MagSafe Charging:
• No Seamless Switching Across Devices:
• Lack of Water Resistance Assurance:
• Lack of Customization Options:
• No Accessory Compatibility Assurance:
• Difficult Troubleshooting:
• Poor Sound Quality Perception:
• Lack of Fast Pairing Experience:
• Mismatched Battery Indicator Behavior:

The Firmware Factor: Why Cases Are More Than Just Containers

Many users think of charging cases as mere storage boxes that provide power recharge capabilities for their earbuds. However, Apple integrates specific firmware into each generation’s charging case that controls multiple functions beyond simple power delivery.

For example:

• The firmware manages battery status reporting between earbuds and connected devices like iPhones or Macs.
• The syncing process during initial pairing requires communication protocols embedded in both earbuds and their designated charging case firmware versions.
• The firmware enables features like force sensor calibration in the buds themselves by communicating through hardware interfaces inside the original case only.
• The “Hey Siri” functionality sometimes depends on microphones located within certain parts of the buds/case combo working seamlessly together via firmware coordination.

Because each generation uses distinct firmware builds optimized specifically for its hardware layout—including sensors inside both buds and cases—mixing models leads not only to physical incompatibility but also software communication failures.

A Quick Look at Third-Party Alternatives: Can They Bridge This Gap?

Some third-party manufacturers offer universal-looking wireless earbud charging cases claiming compatibility across multiple models including various generations of Apple’s products.

While these products might appear tempting as budget alternatives or replacements after losing your original Apple case:

• The precise internal moldings rarely match Apple’s exact specifications leading to loose fits or poor electrical contact points;
• The proprietary communication protocols embedded in Apple’s ecosystem remain unsupported by third-party hardware;
• You risk damaging your expensive earbuds by forcing them into ill-fitting non-certified chargers;

Hence relying on third-party universal cases is generally not advisable unless explicitly stated by credible sources or Apple itself—which currently does not endorse any such accessory officially supporting multiple different generations’ compatibility simultaneously.

A Note on Wireless Charging Compatibility Between Models’ Cases

Both AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 support Qi wireless charging externally through their respective cases—but this does not imply cross-case compatibility internally.

Simply put:

• You can place either official Apple wireless charging case onto any Qi wireless charger pad regardless of model;
• This external Qi compatibility doesn’t extend inside where individual buds connect;
• Your buds require matching official proprietary connections within their own designed shell;

So while you enjoy convenient wireless top-up from any Qi charger across both models’ official cases—their internals remain uniquely specialized per generation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 use the same charging case?

No, AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 do not use the same charging case. Their cases differ in size and design, making them incompatible for cross-use. Each case is specifically molded to fit its respective earbuds securely for proper charging.

Why can’t I use an AirPods Pro case for my AirPods 3?

The AirPods Pro case is smaller and wider, while the AirPods 3 case is taller and slimmer. This difference in shape prevents the earbuds from fitting properly, causing misalignment of charging pins and preventing proper charging or syncing.

Are the charging pins inside AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 cases the same?

Although both cases support Qi wireless charging externally, their internal charging pins are positioned differently. This means earbuds from one model won’t align correctly with the pins in the other’s case, so they cannot charge properly if swapped.

How do design differences affect the compatibility of AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 cases?

The design differences affect both the physical fit and charging functionality. The earbuds have distinct shapes tailored to their specific cases, which have unique internal moldings. This ensures a secure fit and proper electrical contact only with their matching model.

Can I use wireless charging interchangeably between AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 cases?

Both cases support Qi wireless charging externally, so you can charge either case on a Qi charger. However, this does not mean you can interchange earbuds between cases or rely on internal charging compatibility between models.