first bells
When buying headphones from an unverified seller, the first thing to scrutinize is the packaging. The design and covers of earphones were well known before the September event, so many boxes were identified long before the Apple presentation. Still, some counterfeits arrive in a box labeled for the first generation AirPods Pro. The newer version features updated packaging, so it helps to compare in advance and know what the authentic box should look like.
If the packaging seems right, the next check is the serial number on Apple’s site. But this is not a foolproof method. Even a counterfeit, priced at $250 versus $50, can be registered as the original AirPods Pro 2 and may still enjoy Apple’s warranty. Fake headphones often carry a real model number, and some fakes are even assigned numbers that mimic genuine devices.
The counterfeit box print quality can reveal itself only with careful inspection and a side-by-side comparison with an authentic box.
Notably, the seal on a fake box is not significantly different in quality from Apple’s own seal, which is a hint that the forgery is convincing at a glance.
Another tell is the inscription on the counterfeit packaging. It may read “AirPods Pro Wireless Charging Case”, a label used by earlier models, while the current version simply states “AirPods Pro.”
During unboxing, attention should be paid to the headphone case. The real product includes a speaker hole and an attachment tab that connects the ear buds to the strap. These elements also appeared in a counterfeit sample examined by researchers for this report.
Other indicators include the number of replacement earpads and the documentation. Genuine AirPods Pro 2s come with six tips, two more than the prior generation. Some counterfeit kits mimic older boxes and include four tips. In addition, counterfeit sets often include paper instructions with noticeably poorer print quality and images that differ from the authentic version.
headphones
When real and counterfeit AirPods Pro 2s are removed from their boxes, the differences become clearer at a glance. The fake often feels cheap in the plastic construction, and the case covers may snap differently or attach to magnets in a less sturdy way. The exterior of the genuine headphones is consistent, yet used devices can blur these distinctions, as wear can mimic genuine aging and looseness of the cover and magnet strength.
Another distinguishing feature is the grille covering the sensor area in the case. The authentic version has three sensors visible under the grille, while the first generation used two. The counterfeit sets also vary in the size and print quality of serial numbers that appear on both the case and the headphones themselves, with genuine labels being smaller and more precise.
Surprisingly, counterfeit headphones may support wireless charging with MagSafe. Yet a simple audible cue separates them from the real product: authentic AirPods Pro 2 cases emit a clear notification when charging begins thanks to a built-in speaker, while fakes typically have only a dummy speaker grille.
ON
Connecting counterfeit AirPods to an iPhone can mimic the real pairing animation, which is a common pitfall for buyers. The adaptive transparency feature exists only in the AirPods Pro 2, and some counterfeit variants may not include it yet. The Locator app can help locate a genuine case by playing a sound, and the Find Nearby feature can guide users much like AirTag does. Fake models generally lack these advanced locator features.
In some cases, the arrangement might prompt a familiar setup animation, but the underlying capabilities often diverge. The genuine product offers features such as adaptive transparency and robust device location, while fakes may fall short in both performance and reliability.
Sound
Sound quality on counterfeit devices rarely matches that of the original AirPods Pro 2. Still, affordable fakes can reach about 3 to 4 out of 5 for listening experience. Some fakes offer wireless charging and even advertise active noise cancellation and transparency, but both tend to perform poorly and inconsistently.
The overall volume of fake and real devices is similar, with only a small variance, and counterfeit bass tends to lack depth and richness, resulting in a flatter overall sound. For inexperienced listeners, distinguishing by sound alone is tough without a direct comparison to genuine AirPods Pro 2s.
Even some fake versions claim features like Spatial Audio, though in reality these functions often remain non-operational or significantly degraded.
Output
Given current conditions, buyers must exercise caution when choosing headphones. Counterfeits are increasingly common, especially since AirPods Pro 2 are not officially shipped to certain regions. For buyers with a tight budget who still want a recognizable Apple design, it is wiser to look at reputable Chinese brands offering models with functional features at a similar price point, rather than opting for a counterfeit that delivers only a superficial likeness.