Airpods Pro 2 Case Compatible With Airpods Pro 1
The AirPods Pro 2 buds are backwards compatible with the original AirPods Pro case. You’ll get basic functionality like charging and connectivity, but will miss out on new features like spatial audio and precision finding. For full functionality, use all new components. But mixing and matching still works in a pinch.
Apple recently announced the new AirPods Pro 2, featuring improved active noise cancellation, transparency mode, and audio quality. However, many existing AirPods Pro users are wondering – can I use my old AirPods Pro case with the new AirPods Pro 2 buds? Or do I need to purchase a whole new set?
This is an important question for those looking to upgrade their AirPods Pro without breaking the bank. The good news is that the airpods pro 2 case compatible with airpods pro 1 buds are backwards compatible with the original AirPods Pro case. However, there are a few caveats to keep in mind.
In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about mixing and matching AirPods Pro 1 and 2, including:
4 Compatibility Overview
- The AirPods Pro 2 buds will work with the original charging case. However, you won’t get some of the new features.
- The MagSafe charging case for AirPods Pro 2 is not compatible with the original AirPods Pro buds.
- You can use original AirPods Pro buds with the new MagSafe charging case, but won’t get MagSafe charging.
- To get the full AirPods Pro 2 experience, you need both new buds and a new MagSafe case.
4 Detailed Compatibility Breakdown
Here is a detailed look at which combinations of old and new AirPods Pro components are compatible:
- AirPods Pro 2 buds in original AirPods Pro case
- Works for basic functionality
- Won’t get precision finding, new sound quality, or extended battery life
- Charges normally via Lightning cable
2. Original AirPods Pro buds in new MagSafe charging case
- Works for basic functionality
- No MagSafe charging
- Gets better water resistance
3. AirPods Pro 2 buds in new MagSafe charging case
- Full AirPods Pro 2 experience
- Precision finding, spatial audio, extended battery life
- Fast charging and MagSafe wireless charging
4. Mixing left and right buds
- Not recommended – could cause balance issues
- Use two original or two AirPods Pro 2 buds
AirPods Pro 2 Features Explained
To help inform your decision about upgrading, here’s an overview of the key improvements with AirPods Pro 2:
Active noise cancellation: Cancels 2x more noise over original mode
Transparency mode: Reduces ambient noise for better conversations
Adaptive EQ: Tunes music to your ear shape for richer sound
Touch controls: Easier access to audio modes, volume, Siri
Precision finding: Helps locate lost buds with proximity view
Better battery life: Up to 6 hours listening time with 30 hours total
MagSafe case: Stronger magnets, lanyard loop, charging status light
Speakers and mics: Custom low distortion driver and beamforming mics
Water resistance: IPX4 rating for sweat and water protection
As you can see, you miss out on quite a few benefits by mixing old buds with the new case. However, the original case can still provide basic charging and connectivity.
Using AirPods Pro 2 Buds in Old Case
If you want to use new AirPods Pro 2 buds with an original charging case, here are a few tips:
- Update both case and buds to latest firmware for compatibility.
- Buds will charge normally, but slower than the MagSafe case.
- Active noise cancellation will work but not adapt automatically.
- Sound quality improvements are minimal without spatial audio.
- No precision finding, but can still use “Find My” app to locate buds.
- Other features like touch controls will work properly.
Overall, you can use the original case to save money, but won’t get the full Pro 2 experience. The key is managing expectations around certain features being disabled.
Using Original Buds in MagSafe Case
You can also use original AirPods Pro buds in the new MagSafe charging case:
- Case will charge buds normally via Lightning.
- MagSafe charging and Find My features won’t work.
- You get the benefit of the case’s better water resistance.
- New lanyard loop is convenient for attaching a strap.
- Better to get new buds eventually for full functionality.
While it’s not an ideal pairing, it does offer the improved MagSafe case durability and charging status light. Just don’t expect wireless charging to function.
Recommendations for Upgrading
Based on the compatibility nuances, here are some recommendations on the best way to upgrade to AirPods Pro 2:
- Buy just the buds first to save money, using your original case. Then upgrade the case later.
- If buying the full set, sell your original AirPods Pro to offset the cost.
- Only buy the MagSafe case by itself if you really need the added water resistance.
- To get every new feature, you need both the MagSafe case and the new buds.
Prioritize the buds first, since they offer the biggest jump in active noise cancellation and audio quality over the original AirPods Pro. The MagSafe case brings nice enhancements, but isn’t as necessary right away for full functionality.
What You Should Do
So should you buy new AirPods Pro 2, keep using your original set, or try to mix and match? Here are some final recommendations based on different scenarios:
If your original AirPods Pro work fine: Stick with them or buy just the AirPods Pro 2 buds for an upgrade.
If your batteries are shot: Replace buds or cases as needed, or buy the full new set.
If you lost your original buds: Buy AirPods Pro 2 buds and use the old case.
If you care most about sound quality: Upgrade to the new buds.
If you want MagSafe charging: Buy the whole AirPods Pro 2 set.
If cost is a concern: Use original case with new buds.
Evaluate your personal situation and preferences to decide the best option. And don’t hesitate to mix and match old and new accessories to find the right balance of functionality and value.
6 Troubleshooting Tips
Mixing and matching AirPods Pro components, you may run into some hiccups. Try these troubleshooting tips:
- Update firmware on both case and earbuds for compatibility.
- Reset the AirPods by holding down the button on the case for 15+ seconds.
- Check for debris in the lightning connector on the case.
- Try re-pairing the AirPods to your device.
- Check for accuracy issues by swapping buds left to right.
- Make sure you aren’t using a fake or non-MFi certified case.
Additional Readings:
Airpods pro case compatible with airpods pro 2.
Are all airpod pro cases the same size?
Are airpod pro and airpod 3 cases the same size?
Following proper troubleshooting can resolve most pairing, charging, and connectivity issues arising from component mismatches. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Apple or take them to the Genius Bar if problems continue.
Summary
While the airpods pro 2 case compatible with airpods pro 1 is backwards compatible with original AirPods Pro earbuds, you lose functionality like precision finding and spatial audio by mixing old and new models. For full features, using all new components is ideal. But you can still save money in the short term by using new buds with an old case.
Hopefully this breakdown gave you a better understanding of which combinations work so you can make the best choice when upgrading your AirPods Pro. With the right expectations set, you can take advantage of intergenerational compatibility to mix and match as needed.