AirPods 4 vs. AirPods 4 ANC: Which Replacement Do You Need?

AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation A3059 wireless charging case open on a red background

If you lost one AirPod 4 earbud or the charging case, you usually do not need to replace the entire set. You can purchase the individual replacement part—but you must match it to the correct AirPods 4 version.

Standard AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation look similar, but their earbuds and charging cases are not interchangeable. This guide explains how to identify the version you own and choose the correct replacement.

Quick answer: AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation use the A3056 left AirPod, A3055 right AirPod, and A3059 wireless charging case. Standard AirPods 4 use a different family of parts and the A3058 charging case.

AirPods 4 vs. AirPods 4 ANC model numbers

The safest way to purchase a replacement is to verify the model number printed on your existing AirPod or charging case. Do not rely only on appearance because the two AirPods 4 versions are visually similar.

Component AirPods 4 with ANC Standard AirPods 4
Left AirPod A3056 AirPods 4 standard model family
Right AirPod A3055 AirPods 4 standard model family
Additional Apple-listed earbud model A3057 A3054
Charging case A3059 wireless charging case A3058 USB-C charging case
Active Noise Cancellation Yes No
Wireless case charging Apple Watch and Qi-certified chargers No; USB-C charging
Charging-case speaker Yes No

Apple identifies the standard AirPods 4 earbud family with model numbers A3053, A3050, and A3054. The AirPods 4 ANC family is identified by A3056, A3055, and A3057. The exact model number printed on your existing component remains the best reference when ordering a replacement.

Which AirPods 4 ANC replacement do you need?

If your existing set has Active Noise Cancellation, select the replacement based on the part you lost.

Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation left replacement AirPod A3056
AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation left replacement AirPod, model A3056.
Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation right replacement AirPod A3055
AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation right replacement AirPod, model A3055.

If you lost the left AirPod

For an AirPods 4 ANC set, the replacement left AirPod sold by AirPod Replacement Store is model A3056. It is designed to work with the corresponding A3055 right AirPod and A3059 wireless charging case.

View the AirPods 4 ANC left AirPod A3056 replacement.

If you lost the right AirPod

For an AirPods 4 ANC set, the replacement right AirPod sold by AirPod Replacement Store is model A3055. It is designed to work with the corresponding A3056 left AirPod and A3059 wireless charging case.

View the AirPods 4 ANC right AirPod A3055 replacement.

If you lost the charging case

The wireless charging case for AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation is model A3059. It supports USB-C charging, Apple Watch chargers, and Qi-certified wireless chargers. It also includes an external speaker for charging and battery-status sounds.

Rear view of the AirPods 4 ANC A3059 wireless charging case
Rear view of the AirPods 4 ANC wireless charging case, model A3059.

View the AirPods 4 ANC wireless charging case A3059 replacement.

Compatibility warning: The A3059 wireless charging case is intended for AirPods 4 ANC earbuds. Apple states that it is not compatible with standard AirPods 4 earbuds. Likewise, the standard A3058 charging case is not compatible with AirPods 4 ANC earbuds.

How can I tell whether I have AirPods 4 or AirPods 4 ANC?

Check the model number before ordering. You can find it in your iPhone settings or printed on the AirPod itself.

Check the model number on your iPhone

  1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
  2. Tap Bluetooth.
  3. Find your AirPods in the device list.
  4. Tap the information button next to the AirPods.
  5. Look for the model-number information.

Check the AirPod itself

The model number is printed in small text on the underside of each AirPod. It begins with the letter “A.” Good lighting or a phone camera with zoom can make the number easier to read.

For additional identification help, read our AirPods model-number identification guide.

Can standard AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 ANC parts be mixed?

No. Standard AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 ANC components belong to different compatibility families. Their similar appearance does not mean that an earbud or case from one version will work correctly with the other.

For example, do not place an AirPods 4 ANC replacement earbud into an A3058 standard AirPods 4 case. An A3059 AirPods 4 ANC case should also not be purchased for standard AirPods 4 earbuds.

Learn more in our guide explaining whether AirPods from different sets can work together.

What should you check before ordering?

  1. Confirm the generation: Make sure the set is AirPods 4.
  2. Confirm the version: Determine whether it is standard AirPods 4 or AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation.
  3. Confirm the side: Check whether you need the left or right AirPod.
  4. Verify the model number: Compare the number on your existing AirPod or case with the replacement listing.
  5. Check the charging case: A3059 identifies the AirPods 4 ANC wireless charging case, while A3058 identifies the standard AirPods 4 case.

AirPods 4 ANC replacement parts

If you have confirmed that your set is the Active Noise Cancellation version, choose the individual component you need:

Left AirPod A3056 Right AirPod A3055 Charging Case A3059

How do you pair a replacement AirPod 4?

After receiving the correct replacement, place both compatible AirPods in the matching charging case and follow the setup instructions for your device. The replacement may need time in the case to charge and synchronize before pairing is completed.

Follow our complete guide on how to pair a replacement AirPod with your existing AirPod.

Frequently asked questions

Can I replace only one AirPod 4 ANC earbud?

Yes. If you lose only the left or right AirPod, you can replace that individual earbud instead of purchasing an entirely new set. The replacement must belong to the same AirPods 4 ANC model family.

What model is the left AirPod 4 with ANC?

The AirPods 4 ANC left replacement sold by AirPod Replacement Store is model A3056. It pairs with the A3055 right AirPod and A3059 wireless charging case.

What model is the right AirPod 4 with ANC?

The AirPods 4 ANC right replacement sold by AirPod Replacement Store is model A3055. It pairs with the A3056 left AirPod and A3059 wireless charging case.

What model is the AirPods 4 ANC charging case?

The AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation wireless charging case is model A3059. It supports USB-C, Apple Watch, and Qi-certified charging.

Will an A3059 case work with standard AirPods 4?

No. Apple identifies the A3059 case as compatible with AirPods 4 ANC earbuds only. Standard AirPods 4 use the A3058 charging case.

Are AirPods 4 ANC the same as AirPods Pro?

No. AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation and AirPods Pro are separate product families. AirPods Pro replacement earbuds and cases should not be purchased for an AirPods 4 ANC set.

Final compatibility check

Before ordering, confirm both the version and model number of your AirPods. For AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, the replacement components offered by AirPod Replacement Store are the A3056 left AirPod, A3055 right AirPod, and A3059 wireless charging case.

If your model numbers do not match, browse our available AirPod replacement parts or use our identification guide before purchasing.

AirPod Replacement Store provides authentic individual replacement AirPods and charging cases, along with identification, compatibility, pairing, and troubleshooting information.

AirPod Replacement Store is an independent reseller and is not affiliated with or authorized by Apple Inc. Apple and AirPods are trademarks of Apple Inc.

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