u/Defiant-Ad6504

I’m hoping someone here knows more about AirPods model numbers/revisions because I’m really confused by this situation.

I recently borrowed my dad’s AirPods Pro 2 and accidentally cracked the charging case, so I bought a replacement case. The original AirPods and original case are almost certainly genuine as they were bought directly from an Apple Store, but I guess there is the possibility some switch out took place over the years. Please refer to the pictures:

• In iPhone settings, the AirPods show model number A2968
• The original case itself has a completely different number on it (3049 shown on the case)
• The individual AirPods don’t seem to have model numbers printed on them at all
• The earbuds have a “Made in USA” model marking, which I’ve never really seen online before

The replacement case (on the left in the photos with both) also doesn’t fit properly:

• The AirPods don’t sit snugly
• The magnets feel weak
• Alignment seems slightly off
• AirPods won't pair

So now I’m basically trying to figure out one of two things:

1. My AirPods are some weird/rare manufacturing variation with different markings that just isn’t commonly documented online

or

1. The replacement case I bought is fake/incompatible (which honestly seems more likely), but that still doesn’t explain why the original AirPods look different from almost everything else I can find online

I’m also confused about the model numbering:

• Why does Settings show A2968, but the case itself shows a different number?
• Is it normal for the earbuds themselves not to have visible model numbers?

Any help would be appreciated.