Counterfeit AirPods Pro have become more sophisticated over the years, with some fakes even replicating Apple’s packaging, serial numbers, and iOS pairing animations. However, these knockoffs lack the premium sound quality, durability, and software features of authentic AirPods Pro.
The Risks of Buying Fake AirPods Pro
- Poor Sound Quality – Fake AirPods Pro often have muffled audio, weak bass, and low volume output.
- No Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) – Many counterfeits claim to offer ANC but fail to provide real noise-blocking capabilities.
- No Transparency Mode – The ability to hear ambient sounds is missing or poorly replicated in fakes.
- Weaker Battery Life – Fake AirPods Pro typically have much shorter battery life than the real ones.
- No Apple Warranty or Support – Apple does not repair or replace counterfeit products, leaving buyers with no recourse if they fail.
How to Spot Fake AirPods Pro: Key Differences
1. Check the Serial Number
One of the most reliable ways to verify authenticity is by checking the serial number on Apple’s official website.
Steps to verify:
- Find the serial number on the AirPods case, packaging, or in Settings (Settings > Bluetooth > AirPods Pro > About).
- Go to Apple’s Check Coverage page (checkcoverage.apple.com).
- Enter the serial number.
✅ If the serial number is valid, it will show warranty and service details.
❌ If it’s fake, you may receive an error message or a mismatch in product details.
🔹 Beware: Some counterfeit AirPods Pro use duplicated serial numbers from genuine devices, making this test less foolproof.
2. Inspect the Packaging and Accessories
Fake AirPods Pro often come in low-quality packaging with slight differences in printing, font, or layout.
✅ Real AirPods Pro Packaging:
- High-quality Apple logo with precise alignment.
- Tightly fitted box with smooth edges.
- Correct font and spacing on labels and instructions.
❌ Fake AirPods Pro Packaging:
- Off-center or misaligned text and logos.
- Flimsy, low-quality material with uneven printing.
- Incorrect font or color shade on Apple branding.
🔹 Tip: Compare the packaging with an authentic Apple product to spot subtle differences.
3. Look at the AirPods Pro and Charging Case
Counterfeit AirPods Pro often mimic the physical appearance of the originals, but there are noticeable flaws.
✅ Real AirPods Pro:
- Precisely aligned speaker grilles and sensors.
- Magnetically closing charging case with smooth hinge action.
- Apple-designed Lightning port (not USB-C or micro-USB).
❌ Fake AirPods Pro:
- Larger or misaligned speaker grilles.
- Loose or flimsy hinge on the charging case.
- Different charging ports (some fakes use USB-C).
🔹 Tip: Feel the weight—genuine AirPods Pro and their case have a premium, balanced feel, while fakes may be lighter or feel cheap.
4. Test the Pairing Process on iPhone
Authentic AirPods Pro have a seamless pairing process that displays a custom animation on iOS when the case is opened near an iPhone.
How to check:
- Open the AirPods Pro case near an iPhone.
- A pop-up animation should appear with the AirPods’ name and battery percentage.
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth and tap the (i) icon next to the AirPods name.
✅ Real AirPods Pro:
- Show a smooth animation and correct battery status.
- Display Noise Control settings (Noise Cancellation & Transparency Mode).
- Have “Designed by Apple in California” in Bluetooth settings.
❌ Fake AirPods Pro:
- May not show an animation or have a generic Bluetooth name.
- No Noise Control options in settings.
- Misspelled or missing Apple branding in Bluetooth settings.
🔹 Tip: If the AirPods Pro connect via Bluetooth like generic earbuds, they are likely fake.
5. Test the Audio and Noise Cancellation
Fake AirPods Pro often have inferior audio quality and lack Apple’s premium features.
How to check:
- Play music and listen for clarity, deep bass, and spatial audio effects.
- Enable Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and see if background noise disappears.
- Try Transparency Mode—real AirPods Pro amplify external sounds naturally.
✅ Real AirPods Pro:
- Rich, balanced sound with deep bass.
- ANC blocks out most background noise.
- Transparency Mode lets external sounds in naturally.
❌ Fake AirPods Pro:
- Flat, tinny, or low-volume sound.
- ANC is either nonexistent or ineffective.
- Transparency Mode may be missing or artificially amplified.
🔹 Tip: Compare the sound quality with another verified pair of AirPods Pro to detect differences.
Where to Buy Genuine AirPods Pro
To avoid purchasing fake AirPods Pro, always buy from authorized Apple resellers or reputable retailers.
✅ Best places to buy genuine AirPods Pro:
- Apple Store or Apple.com
- Authorized retailers (Best Buy, Target, Walmart, etc.)
- Verified sellers on Amazon (look for “Ships from and sold by Amazon.com”)
❌ Places to avoid:
- Third-party marketplaces (eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, etc.)
- Unauthorized resellers on Amazon or AliExpress
- Street vendors or deep-discount retailers
Final Thoughts on Identifying Fake AirPods Pro
The rise of fake AirPods Pro has made it crucial for buyers to carefully inspect packaging, design, pairing features, and sound quality before making a purchase. By following these steps, you can avoid counterfeits and ensure you’re getting a genuine Apple product.
If you suspect you have fake AirPods Pro, return them immediately and report the seller to Apple or the retailer. Investing in authentic AirPods Pro not only guarantees better sound and features but also ensures long-term durability and support from Apple.