As almost everything is becoming a copy of a copy, it is getting increasingly harder to distinguish between the real thing and the fakes, which is also very true for Apple’s signature wireless Bluetooth earbuds, the AirPods. There are fake AirPods seemingly everywhere in 2025, though some fakes nearly match the quality of the originals. Consequently, concerned netizens are seeking guidance on how to identify fake AirPods.
Here’s how you can spot fake AirPods in 2025
This year, the replica AirPods have become more advanced than ever. Some makes are better than others, and some are completely indistinguishable, that is, until one digs deeper.
Despite making perfect physical copies and even a great audio experience, there is one simple way to tell if your AirPods are fake. This can be verified by the unique serial number inside the lid of every original Apple AirPods.
Users can verify their products by visiting Apple’s official coverage check page online and entering the number. If the site fails to find the product, then it is unfortunately a fake. Moreover, sometimes, the site may find a product, but it may not match the description of the existing product. This also indicates that it is a fake.
Apart from this, there are certain physical indicators, too, that can help one identify fake AirPods. This is especially useful before buying. The biggest tell-tale signs are:
- Blurry packaging
- Misaligned text
- Dolorings that are different shades of white.
All this clearly indicates that these are not genuine Apple products. Another big sign is the “Designed by Apple in California” writing on the AirPods case. In the fakes, this writing is often oddly spaced or slightly off-center.
Additionally, fake AirPods often miss out on some important features, like spatial audio. This can also be indicative of their authenticity.
Nevertheless, if users are indeed confused about their AirPods, the best way is ultimately to visit an Apple Store and get them verified physically.
Originally reported by Sourav Chakraborty on Mandatory.
