AirPods Pro are high-quality wireless headphones from Apple that provide the user with exceptional sound quality, active noise cancellation, and ease of use. However, with the growing popularity of these headphones, the number of fakes has increased, which at first glance may look like the original devices. In this article, we will tell you how to distinguish a fake AirPods Pro from real headphones and what to pay attention to when buying, so as not to fall for the tricks of unscrupulous sellers.
1. Checking the AirPods Pro packaging
One of the first steps to spotting a fake is to carefully examine the packaging. Apple is known for its high-quality design and packaging, and fakes often lack the same attention to detail.
1.1 Quality of packaging
The real AirPods Pro packaging is made of high-quality cardboard with clear printing. There are no smudged images or fonts that look sloppy on the box. Whereas, the fakes may have a box made of cheap cardboard with unclear printing.
1.2 Serial numbers and barcodes
Every genuine AirPods Pro box contains a unique serial number and barcode that can be verified on Apple's website. Counterfeits may have false or incorrect serial numbers and non-standard barcodes.
1.3 Documents and accessories
The original AirPods Pro box will always contain documents such as instructions and a warranty card, which are executed with high precision. On fakes, the documentation may either be missing or be executed on low-quality paper with grammatical errors and poor print quality.
2. Inspection of the headphones themselves
2.1 Quality of materials
The original AirPods Pro have premium build quality and materials. They are made of matte plastic, which feels nice to the touch. On fakes, the plastic may be too glossy or cheap-looking.
2.2 Apple logo
Real AirPods Pro earphones have a clear and neat Apple logo on each earbud. It should not be smudged, have unclear borders, or be in the wrong place. Counterfeits often have unclear or distorted logos.
2.3 Size and shape
Counterfeits are often the wrong size or shape. The original AirPods Pro earphones have a specific shape that fits your ear perfectly. Counterfeits may be less ergonomic, with visible gaps or parts that are too big/small.
3. Checking the sound quality
One of the most obvious ways to spot a fake is to check the sound quality. AirPods Pro are equipped with high-quality speakers and active noise cancellation, which provides excellent sound and sound absorption.
3.1 Noise reduction
Active noise cancellation is one of the most important features of the original AirPods Pro. Counterfeits usually cannot reproduce the same high-quality technology and may have poor sound quality with noise and interference.
3.2 Clarity of sound
Genuine headphones provide clear and balanced sound with bright highs and deep lows. Counterfeits may produce distortion, overload, or other sound defects such as low volume, hissing, or metallic tint.
4. Checking via device settings
AirPods Pro automatically display information about the headphones when connected to an Apple device (iPhone, iPad, Mac), and also allow you to configure additional features such as active noise cancellation and transparency mode. Counterfeits usually do not support these features or appear as “unknown” devices in the settings.
4.1 Connection and settings
When you connect the original AirPods Pro to your iPhone or iPad, a picture of the headphones appears on the screen with the ability to customize additional features. If the headphones do not show such options when connected to the device, most likely they are fake.
4.2 Checking the serial number
Another way to check the originality of the headphones is to check the serial number on the Apple website. Each original Apple product has a unique serial number, which can be found on the body of the headphones or on the box. To do this, go to the settings on the device, select AirPods Pro and in the "General" section find the serial number, which can be checked on the Apple website.
5. Checking the charging case
5.1 Quality of the charging case
The AirPods Pro charging case is made of high-quality matte plastic with a magnetic lid that closes tightly. Counterfeits may have weak or loose lids, as well as low-quality materials.
5.2 Magnet in the lid
Genuine AirPods Pro have a strong, well-functioning magnet that helps keep the case lid closed. Counterfeits may have weaker magnets, which prevent the lid from closing securely.
6. Buying AirPods Pro: What to Look Out For
6.1 Where do you buy?
Buy AirPods Pro only from authorized sellers or directly from Apple. This is the most reliable way to get the original product. Avoid buying from unreliable online platforms or from dubious sellers, where the probability of running into a fake is much higher.
6.2 Price
If the price is too low, it may be a sign that the product is not original. Usually, counterfeits are sold at a significantly lower price than the original AirPods Pro.
7. Conclusion
Distinguishing a fake AirPods Pro from the original may not be that difficult if you approach the issue carefully. Paying attention to the packaging details, the appearance of the headphones, the sound quality and additional features will help you determine that you have a real Apple product in front of you. If you have any doubts, do not hesitate to check the serial number and consult with professionals at service centers.
To avoid buying a fake, always choose reputable sources to buy headphones from and check that they meet Apple's quality standards.
