Identifying AirPods models and AirPods generations can come in handy, especially if you plan to buy one from a third-party seller or a friend. Merely glancing at them won’t be enough. Some would need a more thorough inspection. Sometimes, you’d need the aid of your AirPods serial number or model number. Below, I’ll guide you through different ways to identify AirPods. Let’s get on with it!
1. Identify your AirPods model number
It’s pretty easy to distinguish one type of AirPods lineup from another. The real challenge comes in identifying which generation of AirPods you have. You can identify it with the help of their model number. Below is a complete list of all the types of AirPods manufactured, along with their model numbers:
2. Check the AirPods design
The fastest way to identify what AirPods you have is to check their appearance. There are already five generations of AirPods across three different lineups (AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max) as of this writing. Each of these products has its own unique design that tells them apart. The AirPods Max is the easiest to spot because it’s the only over-ear headphones in the lineup. The regular AirPods looks like Apple’s earbuds, sans the wires—it comes with a plastic, non-replaceable tip. This contrasts with AirPods Pro, which comes with different-sized silicone ear tips.
3. Find model number printed on the AirPods
If you have the AirPods with you, the fastest way to know your model number is to look for them on the units themselves. They’re on the first line of the printed text underside of each AirPods. In the case of AirPods Max, you can find it printed underneath the left cushion. Let’s assume you don’t have your AirPods, or they’re still sealed. So, if you have the box with you, you should also find the model number of the AirPods as well as the charging case printed on the box just above the first barcode.
4. Check AirPods in iPhone Settings
If it’s your AirPods you’re curious about, you can simply look into your device’s settings to see its model number. You can do this even if it’s not currently connected to your device, as long as they’re paired. Alternatively, if your AirPods is currently connected to your Apple device, you can do the following:
5. Compare AirPods features
Each AirPods model offers its users different capabilities. For example, if you’re using AirPods and can use Spatial Audio, then you’re using the third generation. If you own an AirPods Pro and want to see whether it’s the first or second generation based on features, check its noise-canceling capabilities. The latter touts to cancel up to twice the noise as its predecessor. We’ve written a more comprehensive comparison of AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro (2nd generation) if you’re interested in how AirPods 2 fares against the AirPods’ latest model. Here’s also a comparison between AirPods Pro and AirPods 3.
6. Identify your AirPods charging case
Model and serial numbers aren’t limited to the AirPods, but even their charging cases. Not only that, but the design of each generation of charging case has subtle differences that you can use as a hint. Here are the model numbers for each of the charging cases:
Lightning charging case AirPods (1st Generation): A1602Wireless charging case AirPods (2nd generation): A1938AirPods Pro charging case: A2190MagSafe charging case for AirPods Pro: A2190MagSafe charging case for AirPods (3rd generation): A2566Lightning charging case AirPods (3rd generation): A2897MagSafe charging case for AirPods Pro (2rd Generation): A2700
The model numbers on AirPods cases can be found written at the bottom of the case. Each also has design details that are distinct from the others. The first and second-generation charging cases for AirPods are taller than they are long. Meanwhile, the AirPods Pro cases are longer than they are tall. You can also distinguish if the first and second-generation AirPods case allows for wireless charging or not. Just check for the status light. Non-wireless charging cases do not have an LED status light. As for the AirPods Pro, you’ll need to rely on the serial number. If your AirPods Pro charging cases have serial numbers ending in 1NRC or 1059, they’re MagSafe ready. If they end in either LKKT or 0C6L, they’re not capable of wireless charging. For the charging case for AirPods 3, you’d have to rely on the model numbers solely. MagSafe ready cases have the model number A2700, while non-wireless charging cases have the model number A2897. The AirPods Pro (2nd generation) is unique in that it has a speaker and a loop to which you can attach a lanyard.
7. Use your AirPods serial number to identify AirPods’ model
Similar to other Apple products, you can use your AirPods serial number to find out the model of the AirPods you have. Just head to Apple’s coverage page → enter your serial number, and voila! Your AirPods model should be shown there. There are easy ways to find your AirPods serial number. Regardless of the model, the serial numbers of all AirPods are located on the underside of the lid. You can also find it on the box the unit came with or the original invoice that came with your purchase. While the AirPods have serial numbers, each AirPod has a different serial number that isn’t identical to the serial number on the box or the one registered to your AirPods. As mentioned above, you can also check it through the Apple device your AirPods are paired with. To do so, just go to Settings → Bluetooth → tap the info (i) button. Your AirPods’ Serial Number should be indicated here. Wrapping up… All AirPods seem similar, but they have distinct features that let you tell them apart. If your eyes can’t catch these subtleties, you can always check the model of your AirPods using their model or serial numbers. I hope this article has helped you identify which AirPods model you have. Which method did you use? Share it below! Read more:
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