The AirPods Pro case is not the same as the AirPods 3 case; they differ in size, shape, and compatibility.
Understanding the Design Differences
The AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 are both flagship wireless earbuds from Apple, but their charging cases are distinct. While they share a similar white, glossy finish, their dimensions and shapes vary significantly. The AirPods Pro case is shorter and wider with a squarer shape, designed to accommodate the earbuds’ in-ear design with silicone tips. In contrast, the AirPods 3 case is taller and slimmer, reflecting the earbuds’ more elongated stem design without silicone tips.
This difference isn’t just cosmetic. It affects how the cases fit in your pocket or bag and how you interact with them daily. The AirPods Pro case feels more compact horizontally but thicker vertically. Meanwhile, the AirPods 3 case has a more elongated profile, making it easier to grip but bulkier in width.
Compatibility and Functional Differences
The question “Is The AirPods Pro Case The Same As The AirPods 3 Case?” extends beyond just looks. Compatibility plays a crucial role here. Each case is specifically engineered for its respective earbuds to ensure secure placement and proper charging alignment.
The AirPods Pro earbuds have a unique shape with shorter stems and silicone ear tips that require a snug fit inside the charging case. This means their case features custom-molded slots that perfectly cradle the earbuds.
On the other hand, the AirPods 3 earbuds have a longer stem without silicone tips, so their case slots are deeper and shaped differently. Trying to place AirPods Pro into an AirPods 3 case or vice versa will result in poor fitment or no charging at all.
Moreover, both cases support wireless charging as of their latest versions, but their internal battery capacities differ slightly due to size variations.
Dimensions and Weight Comparison
Here’s a detailed look at how these two cases compare physically:
| Feature | AirPods Pro Case | AirPods 3 Case |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 45.2 mm (1.78 inches) | 54.4 mm (2.14 inches) |
| Width | 60.6 mm (2.39 inches) | 46.4 mm (1.83 inches) |
| Depth | 21.7 mm (0.85 inches) | 21.38 mm (0.84 inches) |
| Weight | 45.6 grams (1.61 ounces) | 37.91 grams (1.34 ounces) |
These measurements highlight that while both cases share similar thicknesses, the height and width differ notably—pointing toward distinct internal layouts tailored for each earbud model.
Charging Capabilities: Similar Yet Different
Both charging cases support Qi wireless charging standards along with Lightning cable input for wired charging, making them versatile for users on the go.
However, battery life between them varies slightly:
- AirPods Pro Case: Offers multiple charges providing over 24 hours of listening time.
- AirPods 3 Case: Also provides multiple charges but typically delivers around 30 hours of listening time due to newer efficiency improvements.
The internal batteries differ in capacity because of space constraints from design differences explained earlier.
A quick note: neither case supports MagSafe natively out of the box until Apple introduced MagSafe-compatible versions later on for specific models — so check your exact model if MagSafe compatibility matters.
The Impact of Earbud Design on Case Shape
The shape of each earbud heavily influences its corresponding case design:
- AirPods Pro feature an in-ear design with flexible silicone tips that provide noise isolation and require a compact horizontal space inside the case.
- AirPods 3 adopt an open-fit design with longer stems resembling traditional AirPods but enhanced ergonomics.
This means that even if you tried fitting one model’s earbuds into another model’s case physically (which we do not recommend), it wouldn’t sit properly or charge correctly due to mismatched contact points inside.
The Role of Ear Tip Storage
An often-overlooked factor is that AirPods Pro’s silicone tips add bulk to each earbud’s profile, necessitating more room within the case’s moldings to accommodate these tips without damage or deformation during storage or charging cycles.
In contrast, since AirPods 3 lack these tips entirely, their cases can afford slimmer designs vertically but taller overall height-wise because of longer stems.
Aesthetic and User Experience Differences in Cases
Apple doesn’t just build functional products; aesthetics matter too — especially when it comes to accessories you carry daily like these cases.
The AirPods Pro’s squatter profile offers a different pocket feel compared to the sleeker tall form factor of the AirPods 3 case which some find easier to hold securely between fingers due to its lengthened shape.
Both cases feature an LED indicator on the front showing charge status when opened or when connected via Lightning cable—though placement might slightly vary depending on generation specifics.
The Impact on Accessories and Customization Options
Another practical consideration is accessory compatibility:
- Cases designed specifically for one model won’t fit snugly over another.
- Protective skins, covers, or third-party accessories made for either model’s charging case will generally not cross-fit.
This makes buying accessories trickier if you switch between models frequently or want uniformity across your devices.
Summary Table: Key Differences Between AirPods Pro & AirPods 3 Cases
| Aspect | AirPods Pro Case | AirPods 3 Case |
|---|---|---|
| Shape & Size | Squarer & wider; compact horizontal footprint. | Taller & slimmer; elongated vertical profile. |
| Earbud Fitment | Molded slots for short-stemmed earbuds with silicone tips. | Molded deeper slots for long-stemmed earbuds without tips. |
| Charging Compatibility | Qi wireless + Lightning; multiple charges (~24+ hrs). | Qi wireless + Lightning; multiple charges (~30 hrs). |
| User Experience Impact | Easier pocket fit; chunkier feel. | Easier grip; bulkier width-wise. |
| Accessory Compatibility | Sized for specific molds; limited cross-use. | Sized differently; accessories not interchangeable. |
No two ways about it—the answer is clear: the AirPods Pro case is not the same as the AirPods 3 case. Their differences span size, shape, internal layout, compatibility with respective earbuds, battery capacity nuances, and accessory options.
Trying to interchange these cases isn’t just inconvenient; it results in improper earbud storage and failure to charge correctly—something every user wants to avoid given Apple’s premium pricing on replacements.
If you own either model or plan on upgrading between them down the line, understanding these distinctions ensures you pick up compatible accessories that protect your investment while keeping your daily routine smooth and hassle-free.
In short: treat each charging case as uniquely designed hardware tailored specifically for its earbuds—not interchangeable shells—even though they may look superficially similar at first glance!
Key Takeaways: Is The AirPods Pro Case The Same As The AirPods 3 Case?
➤ AirPods Pro case is distinct in size and shape.
➤ AirPods 3 case is slimmer and more rectangular.
➤ Cases are not interchangeable between models.
➤ Charging mechanisms differ slightly between cases.
➤ Design differences reflect each AirPods generation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The AirPods Pro Case The Same As The AirPods 3 Case in Size and Shape?
No, the AirPods Pro case is not the same as the AirPods 3 case. The Pro case is shorter and wider with a squarer shape, while the AirPods 3 case is taller and slimmer. These differences reflect their unique earbud designs and affect how they fit in pockets or bags.
Does The AirPods Pro Case Fit AirPods 3 Earbuds?
The AirPods Pro case does not fit AirPods 3 earbuds properly. Each case has custom-molded slots designed specifically for its earbuds’ shape, so mixing them results in poor fitment and charging issues. Using the wrong case can prevent earbuds from charging correctly.
Are The Charging Capabilities of The AirPods Pro Case and The AirPods 3 Case the Same?
Both the AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 cases support Qi wireless charging. However, their internal battery capacities differ slightly due to size variations. Despite similar charging features, their designs cater to different earbud models for optimal performance.
How Do The Dimensions of The AirPods Pro Case Compare To The AirPods 3 Case?
The AirPods Pro case measures approximately 45.2 mm in height and 60.6 mm in width, whereas the AirPods 3 case is taller at 54.4 mm but narrower at 46.4 mm wide. Both cases share a similar thickness but differ notably in height and width.
Why Is The AirPods Pro Case Different From The AirPods 3 Case?
The difference stems from the earbuds’ distinct designs. AirPods Pro have shorter stems with silicone tips requiring a compact, wider case, while AirPods 3 have longer stems without tips, needing a taller, slimmer case. This ensures secure fitment and proper charging for each model.