Video Surfaces Showing Fake AirPods Pro With Built‑In Touch Screen
A clip circulating on social networks showcases a counterfeit pair of AirPods Pro equipped with a built‑in touch screen. The device appears to be modeled on an Apple patent dating back to 2021, as reported by the MacRumor portal. The footage highlights a display embedded in the charging case, which seems to enable users to control headphone functions directly, including noise cancellation, without needing an iPhone nearby.
From the video, it seems that when the case is opened, the screen becomes active and presents a Chinese‑language interface across the entire device. The design looks to mirror Apple’s concept for on‑case control, suggesting a split between what the case can do and how it is meant to interact with the headphones themselves. While the patent anticipated a main screen in the charging case to simplify music playback, volume control, and other settings, it is not clear if such a product will ever reach the official Apple lineup.
The broader context notes that the popularity of AirPods has spurred a surge in counterfeit wireless headphones. A report from 2021 details how U.S. authorities seized nearly 360,000 fake headphones in the first nine months of that fiscal year, with an estimated value of around $62.2 million. This illustrates the scale of the counterfeit market and the challenges consumers may face when seeking genuine Apple accessories.
Additionally, there is historical mention of a separate patent in the United States that proposed an iPhone accessory featuring an extra side screen. This development, while not confirmed as a commercial product, contributes to the ongoing conversation about how display technology might intersect with wearable audio gear in the future. The evolving patent landscape, combined with the rise of imitation devices, raises questions for consumers about authenticity, safety, and device compatibility.
Experts note that the existence of a patent does not guarantee a final product. Patent documents often describe potential ideas that may or may not be fully developed or released to the public. In the case of these counterfeit devices, the use of a screen in the charging case is presented as an innovation intended to streamline control without direct phone interaction. Whether such concepts will eventually appear in legitimate Apple products remains uncertain, but the episode underscores the importance of verifying device origin and relying on authorized retailers when making high‑value tech purchases.
For buyers, this situation emphasizes practical steps to protect oneself: examine packaging and serial numbers, compare features with official Apple specifications, and be wary of devices that promise extensive on‑case control that diverges from standard product behavior. Market watchers also point to the need for ongoing regulation and enforcement to curb the spread of counterfeit goods, especially those that could mislead consumers about capabilities or security.