How to spot fake (copy) AirPods

Last updated: 4 October 2026

'Master copy' and 'first copy' AirPods are sold openly. Some are close enough on the outside that a quick look will not tell you. These checks use Apple's own published information, and most take a few minutes at the counter.

1. Check the model number against Apple's list

On an iPhone, open Settings, then Bluetooth, and tap the info button next to the AirPods. Apple's identification page lists the model numbers for every generation, for example A3063, A3064 and A3065 for AirPods Pro 3, and A3531, A3532 and A3533 for AirPods 5. On AirPods and AirPods Pro the model number is also printed under each earbud, starting with A. If the number is missing, or does not match the model on the box, stop there.

AirPods model numbers and prices

2. Check the case matches the earbuds

Apple lists each charging case separately, with its own model number, and says, for example, that the Charging Case for AirPods 5 works only with AirPods 5 earbuds, not the Wireless Charging Case version or any other AirPods. Apple also says where the serial number is printed on each case; on AirPods 5 cases it is under the lid. A case that does not match the earbuds is either a replacement or a fake.

3. Look the serial number up on Apple's coverage page

Enter the serial number on Apple's Check Coverage page. A genuine serial should come back with the right model. A result only proves the serial exists, not that the pair in your hand carries it, so also compare the serial shown in Settings with the one on the case and the box.

4. Use Find My

Genuine AirPods pair to one Apple Account at a time. Apple says that when you set up AirPods still linked to someone else, the Find My app shows a message that they are paired to another Apple Account, and Apple cannot remove that Find My Lock; only the previous owner can. A brand new sealed pair should set up on your account without that message.

5. Compare the price

On 4 October 2026 the cheapest new AirPods in stock at the two Pakistani retailers we checked (PriceOye and Shophive) were AirPods 4 at Rs 35,999 at Shophive. 'New AirPods Pro' at a small fraction of that are almost certainly not genuine.

If you already bought a fake

Go back to the seller with the bill. If they refuse, Pakistan's consumer courts and the seller's platform are the routes; keep the bill, the chat and any payment record. Copies are sometimes sold honestly as copies at copy prices; the problem is a copy sold as original.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell if AirPods are original?

Check the model number in Settings against Apple's list, make sure the case matches the earbuds, look the serial up on Apple's Check Coverage page, and confirm the AirPods set up on your Apple Account without a 'connected to another Apple Account' message.

Where is the model number on AirPods?

In Settings, then Bluetooth, then the info button next to the AirPods. It is also printed under each AirPod, starting with A, and behind the left ear cushion on AirPods Max.

Are 'master copy' AirPods the same as original?

No. A copy is not made by Apple, whatever it is called. It will not have a model and serial that check out with Apple.

What is the cheapest price for original AirPods in Pakistan?

Of the two retailers we checked on 4 October 2026, the cheapest new pair in stock was AirPods 4 at Rs 35,999 at Shophive.

Sources

This is information about how Mobile Market works. It is not legal advice. Pakistani regulatory questions should be reviewed by a qualified lawyer. Contact help@mobilemarket.pk.