AirPods Pro 2 USB-C vs. Lightning: Replacement Compatibility Guide

AirPod Replacement Store · Compatibility Guide

AirPods Pro 2 USB-C and Lightning earbuds look extremely similar. If you lose only one AirPod, appearance alone may not tell you which replacement you need.

The charging connector provides a quick clue, but checking the actual model numbers gives you more information before ordering a replacement.

AirPods Pro 2 USB-C vs. Lightning Model Numbers

Use this table as a quick reference when identifying the AirPods Pro 2 replacement components sold by AirPod Replacement Store.

Apple also lists A3049 within the AirPods Pro 2 USB-C model family and A2931 within the Lightning model family. The table above focuses on the left and right replacement-earbud model numbers sold by AirPod Replacement Store. See Apple's AirPods identification guide for Apple's complete model-family listings.

How Do I Know if My AirPods Pro 2 Are USB-C or Lightning?

Start with the charging port, then confirm your identification using the model numbers printed on the charging case and AirPods.

1. Check the Charging Port

Look at the charging port on the bottom of the case. The A2968 case uses USB-C, while the A2700 case uses Apple's Lightning connector.

This is usually the fastest way to distinguish the two charging cases visually.

2. Check the Charging Case Model Number

Check the small printed information on the charging case and locate the model number beginning with A.

• A2968 = AirPods Pro 2 USB-C charging case
• A2700 = AirPods Pro 2 Lightning charging case

For a more detailed case comparison, read our A2968 vs. A2700 AirPods Pro 2 charging case guide .

3. Check the Model Number on Your Remaining AirPod

Remove the AirPod from the charging case and look for the small model number printed on the underside.

• A3048: left replacement AirPod sold for the USB-C configuration.
• A3047: right replacement AirPod sold for the USB-C configuration.
• A2699: left replacement AirPod sold for the Lightning configuration.
• A2698: right replacement AirPod sold for the Lightning configuration.

If you cannot identify the number or are unsure which AirPods you own, start with our AirPods model number identification guide .

What's the Difference Between AirPods Pro 2 USB-C and Lightning?

The most obvious physical difference is the charging connector. The 2022 AirPods Pro 2 charging case uses Lightning, while the later 2023 configuration uses USB-C.

Apple also assigns different model numbers to the two configurations. That distinction is especially important when you are shopping for an individual replacement AirPod or charging case.

If your goal is simply to replace a lost earbud, you do not need to identify every technical difference between the two releases. You primarily need to determine which model-number group your existing components belong to and purchase the appropriate replacement.

Can You Mix AirPods Pro 2 USB-C and Lightning Parts?

For replacement shopping, the safest approach is to match the replacement AirPod or charging case to the same model-number configuration as the components you already own.

Do not assume that any product labeled “AirPods Pro 2” is automatically the correct replacement. Check the model numbers on your remaining AirPod and charging case first.

Apple documents multiple causes for AirPods mismatch alerts, including AirPods from different generations being together, AirPods that belong to someone else, and an AirPod that remains associated with another Apple Account.

Which AirPods Pro 2 USB-C Replacement Should You Buy?

If you have identified your set as the USB-C configuration, choose the replacement that matches the missing component.

• AirPods Pro 2 USB-C Left Replacement – A3048
• AirPods Pro 2 USB-C Right Replacement – A3047
• AirPods Pro 2 USB-C Replacement Charging Case – A2968

Which AirPods Pro 2 Lightning Replacement Should You Buy?

For the Lightning configuration, the commonly matched replacement components are:

• Left AirPod: A2699
• Right AirPod: A2698
• AirPods Pro 2 Lightning Replacement Charging Case – A2700

Check current product availability before ordering.

Can You Replace Just One AirPods Pro 2 Earbud?

Yes. If you have lost only the left or right AirPod, you can replace the individual compatible earbud instead of purchasing an entirely new set.

Identify the model number on the AirPod you still have, determine which side is missing, and match the replacement to the appropriate AirPods Pro 2 configuration.

For the complete buying process, read our guide to replacing a single AirPod .

How Do You Pair a Replacement AirPods Pro 2 Earbud?

After receiving a compatible replacement, it needs to be set up with your existing AirPod and charging case.

Apple's replacement setup instructions begin by placing both AirPods into the charging case, connecting the case to power, closing the lid, and waiting 20 minutes. Follow the remaining reset and pairing instructions for your model.

Use our step-by-step replacement AirPod pairing guide or follow Apple's replacement AirPods setup instructions .

What If You Get an AirPods Pro 2 Mismatch Message?

A mismatch message does not by itself establish that your replacement AirPod is defective or counterfeit. Start by confirming the model numbers of both AirPods and the charging case.

If the model numbers are correct, continue through the appropriate setup and troubleshooting process.

Read our AirPods Pro 2 mismatch troubleshooting guide or Apple's explanation of AirPods mismatch alerts .

AirPods Pro 2 Replacement Checklist

Before ordering an individual AirPod or charging case:

1. Check the charging connector. Determine whether your case uses USB-C or Lightning.
2. Check the charging case model number. Look for A2968 or A2700.
3. Check your remaining AirPod. Find the model number printed on the underside.
4. Determine which side is missing. Confirm whether you need the left or right AirPod.
5. Compare the replacement listing. Verify the model number, side, condition, included items, and compatibility information before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is A3048 USB-C or Lightning?

A3048 is the left replacement AirPod sold for the AirPods Pro 2 USB-C configuration. The commonly matched right AirPod is A3047 and the USB-C charging case is A2968.

Is A3047 USB-C or Lightning?

A3047 is the right replacement AirPod sold for the AirPods Pro 2 USB-C configuration. The commonly matched left AirPod is A3048 and the charging case is A2968.

Is A2699 USB-C or Lightning?

A2699 is the left replacement AirPod sold for the AirPods Pro 2 Lightning configuration. The commonly matched right AirPod is A2698 and the Lightning charging case is A2700.

Is A2698 USB-C or Lightning?

A2698 is the right replacement AirPod sold for the AirPods Pro 2 Lightning configuration. The commonly matched left AirPod is A2699 and the charging case is A2700.

Is A2968 USB-C or Lightning?

A2968 is Apple's USB-C MagSafe Charging Case for AirPods Pro 2.

Is A2700 USB-C or Lightning?

A2700 is Apple's Lightning MagSafe Charging Case for AirPods Pro 2.

Do AirPods Pro 2 USB-C and Lightning look different?

The earbuds look very similar. The charging port is the easiest visible distinction between the cases: A2968 uses USB-C and A2700 uses Lightning. For replacement shopping, check the model numbers rather than relying only on appearance.

How do I know which AirPods Pro 2 replacement I need?

Check the model number on your remaining AirPod and charging case, determine whether the missing earbud is left or right, and compare those numbers with the replacement listing before ordering.

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.