Undoubtedly, Apple AirPods have emerged as the top-tier choice for premium True Wireless Stereo (TWS) devices. However, their immense popularity has given rise to a flood of counterfeit AirPods in the market. To ensure that you invest in an authentic Apple experience, it becomes crucial to discern between genuine AirPods and their fake counterparts. Read on to discover key indicators that can help you distinguish real AirPods from fakes.
From scrutinizing the packaging to examining subtle physical details and assessing performance, we’ve compiled a checklist that empowers you to make well-informed decisions, safeguarding you from falling victim to counterfeit AirPods or AirPods Pro. Here’s your guide on how to determine if your AirPods are authentic:
1. Look at the Packaging and Box Contents
Similar to other Apple products, the packaging of AirPods and AirPods Pro models is characterized by meticulous attention to high-quality materials. An authentic AirPods box should exhibit sharp and clear printing, free from smudges or blurriness, with a tightly sealed plastic wrap. Conversely, fake AirPods boxes typically feature subpar printing quality and loose plastic wrapping.
When inspecting the box, pay attention to details such as the Apple logo, ensuring that they are well-defined and unaltered. Any signs of misspellings, incorrect font sizes, or inconsistencies in the information on the packaging are red flags indicating counterfeit AirPods.
Finally, scrutinize the contents of the box to ensure nothing is missing or appears out of place. An authentic AirPods box should include essential documents such as an instruction manual, a warranty card, and a safety sheet. Additionally, it should contain a Lightning cable for older models or a USB-C cable for the latest AirPods Pro, along with extra ear tips.
If any of these components are absent in the packaging, and if the box was unsealed upon delivery, there is a significant likelihood that you have received a pair of fake AirPods. This careful examination ensures that you are receiving a genuine Apple product.
2. Verify the Serial Number
In alignment with the pristine packaging, each authentic set of AirPods is assigned a unique serial number. To verify authenticity, follow these steps:
- Visit Apple’s official website or utilize the Apple Support app.
- Go to the “Check Coverage” section and input the serial number located on the AirPods or their packaging.
- Confirm if Apple recognizes the serial number as a valid product.
- The serial number can typically be found next to the barcode or on the underside of the charging case lid.
- If the serial number isn’t recognized or corresponds to a different product, it is likely a fake.
It’s important to note that even if the serial number is recognized as genuine, there is no absolute guarantee that your AirPods are authentic. Some counterfeit AirPods manufacturers may use the serial numbers from legitimate units to deceive buyers. However, if the serial number is not recognized at all, it is a strong indication that the pair of AirPods is indeed fake.
3. Check Physical Details
Careful scrutiny of every physical aspect of the AirPods is crucial. Counterfeit AirPods Pro versions may exhibit subtle variations in size, weight, or color shades. Open the charging case and inspect for the printed serial number under the lid.
Additionally, genuine AirPods have a distinctive LED indicator light on the charging case that behaves in a specific manner, typically glowing when the case is opened or charging. Counterfeit versions may showcase a different or inconsistent LED behavior, serving as a potential visual cue for discerning authenticity.
4. Sound and Software Performance
The performance of AirPods serves as a significant indicator of authenticity. Fake versions frequently present poor sound quality, with issues like distorted audio or imbalances in volume between the left and right earbuds.
Connectivity problems, including frequent disconnections or limited Bluetooth range, are also typical in counterfeit models. Genuine AirPods are renowned for their seamless connectivity and superior audio quality. Any noticeable deviation in these aspects could suggest the presence of counterfeit AirPods.
It’s worth noting that in recent times, even some fake AirPods models have improved to mimic seamless connectivity and replicate original Apple AirPods features. This makes it more challenging to distinguish fake ones solely based on performance, emphasizing the importance of considering multiple factors when assessing authenticity.
5. No Find My Support
A notable characteristic of fake AirPods Pro models is their inability to work with Apple’s “Find My” feature. This feature is designed to locate all Apple devices linked to your iCloud account, encompassing AirPods, iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
Counterfeit AirPods typically lack the seamless integration with the Apple Ecosystem, rendering them incompatible with “Find My” and other Apple services associated with authentic Apple products. The absence of this functionality serves as a clear indicator that the AirPods may be fake.
6. No Wireless Charging Support
Certain counterfeit AirPods may falsely advertise wireless charging support, but their actual functionality can vary significantly. Genuine Apple AirPods with a wireless charging case are specifically engineered to seamlessly work with wireless charging pads that adhere to the Qi standard or Apple’s MagSafe wireless chargers.
Fake AirPods may claim to support wireless charging without possessing the necessary technology, or they might come with an exterior case that mimics the authentic design but lacks the hardware required for wireless charging.
To verify the authenticity, place your AirPods on a wireless charging pad and observe if the charging initiates. Authentic AirPods, when placed on a wireless charger, trigger the LED indicator to turn green or amber, depending on the battery level of the AirPods case. If the AirPods fail to charge on a wireless charger, it’s indicative of potential counterfeit products.
7. Price Differences
While price alone isn’t a conclusive indicator, significant deviations from the market average can serve as a red flag for potential counterfeit products. Unrealistically low prices, particularly when sourced from unofficial or unknown retailers, should prompt heightened suspicion.
Apple maintains a relatively consistent pricing structure across authorized sellers. Therefore, prices that deviate significantly below the typical range should be approached with caution and may indicate the possibility of fake products.
What should you do if you suspect your AirPods are fake?
If you suspect that you’ve acquired fake AirPods or have uncertainties about their authenticity, a practical step is to conduct a side-by-side comparison with a known authentic pair. If your suspicions are confirmed, reach out to the customer support team of the website (for online purchases) or the retailer (for offline purchases) where you made the purchase. Although the chances of recovering your money may be low, it’s worth making an effort.
Additionally, if you used a credit card for the purchase, many credit card companies in the United States offer various purchase protection options. Contact your credit card company and inquire about the possibility of a chargeback.
In conclusion, AzMo Tech recommends purchasing Apple products from official Apple Stores or Apple-authorized resellers exclusively to minimize any risk of acquiring counterfeit items.
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