Is The AirPods 3 Case The Same Size As The AirPods 4 Case? | Size Showdown Explained

Design Dimensions: Comparing AirPods 3 and AirPods 4 Cases

Apple’s AirPods series has consistently evolved, not only in sound quality and features but also in design nuances. The charging case is a crucial part of the user experience, impacting portability and convenience. So, is the AirPods 3 case the same size as the AirPods 4 case? The short answer is no—there are subtle but important size differences between the two.

The AirPods 3 case measures approximately 1.74 inches in height, 1.83 inches in width, and about 0.85 inches thick. In contrast, the AirPods 4 case is slightly shorter and narrower, coming in at around 1.68 inches tall, 1.75 inches wide, and a thickness close to 0.79 inches. These small reductions make the AirPods 4 case feel a bit more compact and pocket-friendly.

Beyond raw numbers, the shape also differs. The AirPods 3 case has a more rectangular silhouette with defined edges, while the AirPods 4 case embraces a rounded, pebble-like form that fits more naturally in hand or pocket.

Impact of Size Differences on User Experience

Though these size variations might seem minor on paper, they translate into noticeable differences when carrying or handling the cases daily. The sleeker profile of the AirPods 4 case means it slips more easily into tight pockets or bags without adding bulk.

Additionally, the rounded edges of the newer case improve grip comfort and reduce sharp corners that can catch on fabric or other objects. For users who prioritize portability above all else, this subtle design refinement is significant.

However, both cases maintain Apple’s signature minimalist aesthetic with smooth white finishes and a front LED indicator light for charging status. So visually and functionally, they remain quite aligned despite size tweaks.

Technical Table: Size Comparison of AirPods Cases

Specification	AirPods 3 Case	AirPods 4 Case
Height	1.74 inches (44.2 mm)	1.68 inches (42.7 mm)
Width	1.83 inches (46.5 mm)	1.75 inches (44.5 mm)
Thickness	0.85 inches (21.7 mm)	0.79 inches (20 mm)
Weight	40 grams	38 grams
Shape Design	Rectangular with defined edges	Rounded pebble-like form

The Practical Differences: Charging & Portability Considerations

Size isn’t just about aesthetics; it affects how you charge and carry your earbuds too. Both cases support wireless charging via Qi standards and have Lightning ports for wired charging—no change there.

But because the AirPods 4 case is slimmer and lighter by a few grams, it’s easier to carry around all day without feeling cumbersome in your pocket or bag compartment.

Moreover, Apple improved the magnetic closure mechanism slightly with the newer model to ensure secure sealing without adding bulk to the design.

For frequent travelers or commuters who stash their earbuds in crowded bags or tight pockets alongside keys and wallets, these small ergonomic improvements can make a big difference in daily convenience.

Compatibility Between Cases: Can You Mix Them?

Another question users often ask is whether you can use an AirPods 3 charging case for AirPods 4 earbuds or vice versa due to their similar appearance.

The answer is no—despite close similarities in shape and size, they are not interchangeable because internal fittings differ to accommodate changes in earbud design.

Trying to pair mismatched earbuds with a different generation’s charging case will result in connection errors or failure to charge properly since Apple customizes each case’s internal structure for its respective earbuds.

This incompatibility underscores that even slight changes in size and shape impact functionality profoundly behind the scenes.

Material & Finish: Any Changes Between Cases?

Both cases maintain Apple’s classic glossy white polycarbonate shell with a smooth finish that resists fingerprints reasonably well but isn’t completely immune.

The hinge mechanism remains metal but has been refined for durability across generations without increasing weight significantly.

While both feature an LED status indicator on the front side for quick glance battery checks during charging or pairing mode activation, Apple optimized brightness levels slightly on the newer model for better visibility under bright light conditions like outdoor use.

Overall, material quality remains premium across both models but benefits from subtle engineering tweaks that enhance durability while shaving off unnecessary mass from the casing body.

User Feedback on Case Size Differences

Many users praised Apple’s decision to trim down the size of the newer AirPods case without compromising battery life or durability.

Some noted that while carrying either version feels comfortable enough for everyday use, the rounded corners of the fourth-generation model make it easier to retrieve from pockets quickly without fumbling.

That said, those accustomed to storing their earbuds in specific compartments designed around older dimensions might need minor adjustments when switching between models due to these size shifts.

Still, these changes are generally regarded as positive refinements rather than disruptive redesigns—a win-win scenario balancing portability with function perfectly.

The Battery Capacity Factor: Does Size Affect Charging Time?

Despite being smaller overall, Apple managed to maintain comparable battery capacity inside both cases:

• The AirPods 3 charging case provides around 30 hours of total listening time when combined with earbuds.
• The AirPods 4 charging case offers roughly similar endurance figures thanks to efficient internal component placement despite reduced volume.

Charging times remain nearly identical as well; both support fast charging through wired connections (Lightning cable) delivering about an hour of playback after just five minutes of charge inside their respective cases.

Wireless charging speeds are consistent too since both comply with Qi wireless standards without notable differences attributable solely to case size variations.

Hence shrinking dimensions didn’t sacrifice battery performance—Apple optimized internal layouts smartly to preserve essential functionality while shaving off bulk externally.

The Aesthetic Evolution: Subtle Yet Significant Changes Over Time

Apple has always been meticulous about refining product aesthetics incrementally rather than making drastic leaps between generations unless introducing new features necessitates it.

The transition from AirPods 3 to AirPods 4 cases exemplifies this philosophy perfectly:

• Moving from boxier edges toward softer curves enhances tactile comfort.
• Slightly smaller footprint improves portability.
• Maintaining familiar glossy white finish preserves brand identity.
• Improved hinge robustness increases product lifespan subtly.
• LED brightness tweaks aid usability outdoors without altering visual language drastically.

This evolutionary approach ensures loyal customers feel continuity while enjoying tangible improvements—a hallmark of Apple’s product design ethos reflected clearly here through these measured size adjustments between generations’ cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the AirPods 3 case the same size as the AirPods 4 case?

No, the AirPods 3 case is not the same size as the AirPods 4 case. The AirPods 4 case is slightly smaller, measuring about 1.68 inches tall compared to the AirPods 3’s 1.74 inches, making it more compact and easier to carry.

How do the dimensions of the AirPods 3 case compare to the AirPods 4 case?

The AirPods 3 case measures approximately 1.74 inches in height, 1.83 inches in width, and 0.85 inches thick. In contrast, the AirPods 4 case is slightly shorter and narrower at around 1.68 inches tall, 1.75 inches wide, and about 0.79 inches thick.

Does the shape of the AirPods 3 case differ from the AirPods 4 case?

Yes, the AirPods 3 case has a more rectangular shape with defined edges, while the AirPods 4 case features a rounded, pebble-like design. This rounded form makes the newer case feel smoother and more comfortable to hold or slip into pockets.

Do size differences between the AirPods 3 and AirPods 4 cases affect portability?

The smaller and more rounded design of the AirPods 4 case improves portability by fitting better in tight pockets or bags. Its sleeker profile reduces bulk compared to the slightly larger and more angular AirPods 3 case.

Are there any functional differences caused by size variations between these cases?

Despite size differences, both cases support wireless charging via Qi standards and have Lightning ports for wired charging. The main impact of size variation is on comfort and ease of carrying rather than charging functionality.