AirPods have become one of the most popular wireless earbuds in the market. They are sleek, comfortable, and offer great sound quality. However, if you are looking to purchase a used pair or want to know how old your current AirPods are, it can be difficult to determine the manufacturing date. Fortunately, there are a few ways to check when your AirPods were manufactured.
One way to check the manufacturing date of your AirPods is by looking at the serial number. By entering the serial number on Apple’s website, you can find out when your AirPods were made. Another way is by checking the model number, which can be found in the settings of your iPhone or iPad. Different models of AirPods were released at different times, so knowing the model number can give you a rough idea of when they were manufactured.
It is important to know when your AirPods were manufactured, especially if you are looking to purchase a used pair or want to check if they are still under warranty. By following these simple steps, you can easily determine the manufacturing date of your AirPods and make informed decisions about your purchase.
Understanding AirPods
AirPods are Apple’s wireless earbuds that have become increasingly popular since their release in 2016. They are designed to work seamlessly with Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs, and offer a convenient and comfortable listening experience. Here’s what you need to know about AirPods:
Features
AirPods come with a range of features that make them stand out from other wireless earbuds. Some of these features include:
- Seamless integration with Apple devices: AirPods connect effortlessly with iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch, and support quick switching between devices logged into the same iCloud account.
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Available on AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, this feature effectively blocks out external noise, allowing for a more immersive listening experience.
- Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking: Offered on AirPods Pro and AirPods Max for compatible content, creating a theater-like surround sound experience that responds to the movement of your head.
- “Hey Siri” support: AirPods (2nd generation and later) can activate Siri hands-free, allowing for convenient voice commands and queries without reaching your device.
- Wireless Charging Case: Many AirPod models offer a wireless charging case that simplifies charging and extends battery life for on-the-go listening.
Models
There are currently five models of AirPods available: AirPods (2nd generation), AirPods (3rd generation), AirPods Pro (1st generation), AirPods Pro (2nd generation), and AirPods Max. Each model has its own set of features and price points. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- AirPods (2nd generation): These are the entry-level AirPods offering easy pairing with Apple devices, touch controls, and up to five hours of listening time on a single charge. They come with a standard charging case, but a version with a wireless charging case is also available.
- AirPods (3rd generation): The third-generation AirPods offer spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, Adaptive EQ, sweat and water resistance, a contoured design for a more comfortable fit, and up to six hours of listening time. They come with a MagSafe Charging Case that supports wireless charging.
- AirPods Pro (1st generation): These are the first-generation AirPods Pro featuring active noise cancellation, Transparency mode, a customizable fit with silicone tips, and sweat and water resistance. They provide up to four and a half hours of listening time with active noise cancellation enabled and come with a wireless charging case.
- AirPods Pro (2nd generation): The second-generation AirPods Pro improves upon the original with features like enhanced Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Transparency mode, personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, and skin-detect sensors for automatic play/pause functionality. They offer up to six hours of listening time with ANC enabled and come with a MagSafe Charging Case.
- AirPods Max: These are premium over-ear headphones with high-fidelity audio, active noise cancellation, Transparency mode, and spatial audio. They provide up to twenty hours of listening time on a single charge and come with a Smart Case for storage that puts them in an ultra-low-power state to preserve battery life when not in use.
Manufacturing Dates
If you’re curious about when your AirPods were manufactured, you can find this information on the original packaging and user manual. You can also contact Apple Support directly for assistance.
Additionally, each model of AirPods has a specific manufacturing date range, which you can find online. Knowing the manufacturing date of your AirPods can help you troubleshoot any issues and determine if your AirPods are still under warranty.
Finding AirPods Manufacture Date
There isn’t a direct way to check the exact manufacturing date of your AirPods through Apple or the device itself. However, you can get an approximate idea of when your AirPods were manufactured by understanding the serial number and the purchase date. Here’s how you can get an idea of the manufacturing date of your AirPods:
Find the Serial Number
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- The serial number is located on the underside of the lid of the AirPods charging case. In the case of AirPods Pro, it can also be found on the earbuds themselves.
- You can also find the serial number in “Settings” on your iPhone if your AirPods are connected. Go to “Settings” > “Bluetooth” and tap the “i” next to your AirPods’ name.
Your AirPods should have the model number printed on them if you’re unable to locate it in Settings. If you have AirPods Max, you can find the model number on the left cushion of your headphones or the first line of the text written on the bottom of each AirPod.
Identify AirPods with the model number
You may now use the model number to identify your specific AirPods:
AirPods Models
| AirPods Model | Model Numbers | Year Introduced | Charging Case Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirPods Pro (2nd generation) | A3047, A3048, A3049 | 2023 | MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) |
| AirPods Pro (2nd generation) | A2931, A2699, A2698 | 2022 | MagSafe Charging Case (Lightning) |
| AirPods (3rd generation) | A2565, A2564 | 2021 | Lightning and MagSafe Charging Cases |
| AirPods Max | A2096 | 2020 | N/A (over-ear design) |
| AirPods Pro | A2084, A2083 | 2019 | MagSafe and Wireless Charging Cases |
| AirPods (2nd generation) | A2032, A2031 | 2019 | Wireless and Lightning Charging Cases |
| AirPods (1st generation) | A1523, A1722 | 2016 | Wireless and Lightning Charging Cases |
AirPods Charging Cases
Use the status light and other information to figure out which AirPods charge case you have:
| Charging Case | Model Number | Year Introduced | Special Features | Compatible With |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) for AirPods Pro (2nd generation) | A2968 | 2023 | USB-C, MagSafe and Qi compatibility, external speaker, lanyard loop, front status light | AirPods Pro (2nd generation) |
| MagSafe Charging Case (Lightning) for AirPods Pro (2nd generation) | A2700 | 2022 | Lightning, MagSafe and Qi compatibility, external speaker, lanyard loop, front status light | AirPods Pro (2nd generation) |
| Lightning Charging Case for AirPods (3rd generation) | A2897 | 2022 | Lightning port, front status light | AirPods (3rd generation) |
| MagSafe Charging Case for AirPods (3rd generation) | A2566 | 2021 | Lightning, MagSafe and Qi compatibility, front status light | AirPods (3rd generation) |
| MagSafe Charging Case for AirPods Pro | A2190 | 2021 | Lightning, MagSafe and Qi compatibility, front status light | AirPods Pro |
| AirPods Pro Charging Case | A2190 | 2019 | Lightning port, Qi compatibility, front status light | AirPods Pro |
| Wireless Charging Case | A1938 | 2019 | Lightning port, Qi compatibility, front status light | AirPods (2nd gen) and AirPods (1st gen) |
| Lightning Charging Case | A1602 | 2016 | Lightning port, status light inside | AirPods (2nd gen) and AirPods (1st gen) |
Check Apple Warranty Status
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- Visit Apple’s Check Coverage website (checkcoverage.apple.com).
- Enter the serial number of your AirPods and the CAPTCHA code.
- The resulting page will not directly show you the manufacturing date, but it will display the estimated expiration date of your warranty.
- Apple typically offers a one-year limited warranty. By looking at the expiration of this warranty, you can roughly calculate when your AirPods were manufactured by subtracting one year from the warranty end date.
Purchase Date (Proof of Purchase)
If you have the original purchase receipt or if the purchase is listed in your Apple account with the date of purchase, you can use this as a reference for when your AirPods were most likely manufactured. It’s safe to assume that your AirPods were manufactured not long before your purchase date.
Contact Apple Support
If you’re still curious about the exact manufacturing date, you may contact Apple Support directly. While they may not typically provide manufacturing dates to customers, they might be able to provide additional information.
Due to the time between manufacturing and the actual sale of a product, there can be some lag. If your AirPods were manufactured very close to the product release date, the manufacturing and purchase dates could be close; for AirPods made later in the product’s life cycle, there could be a more significant difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year were AirPods made?
The first-generation AirPods were introduced by Apple in December 2016. Since then, several iterations including the second-generation AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max have been released, incorporating enhancements in sound quality, battery life, and additional features.
Can I check the AirPods serial number?
Yes, you can check the serial number of your AirPods. It is located on the underside of the lid of the charging case, and the AirPods themselves. You can use this serial number on Apple’s website to check for your AirPods’ warranty status and authenticity.
Are AirPods made in China original?
Yes, original AirPods can be made in China. Many authentic Apple products are manufactured there. The ‘Assembled in China’ stamp doesn’t necessarily indicate a counterfeit product. To confirm the authenticity, it’s best to check the serial number with Apple.
Are there fake AirPods?
Indeed, there are fake AirPods in the market, which are designed to closely resemble the authentic Apple product. These replicas can vary greatly in terms of build and sound quality, and they are usually sold at significantly lower prices compared to genuine AirPods.
Is it OK to use fake AirPods?
While it is not illegal to use fake AirPods, their quality and performance are often subpar compared to the real thing. Moreover, they may not have gone through the same safety checks and could potentially be harmful, for example, they might overheat. Consider the long-term use and safety implications before purchasing.
Can fake AirPods connect to iPhone?
Yes, fake AirPods can connect to an iPhone, often mimicking the pairing process of genuine AirPods. However, they may not support all the features of real AirPods, such as seamless switching between devices, spatial audio, and the “Find My” service. Performance and connection stability can also be inconsistent with replicas.
Final Thoughts
Knowing when your AirPods were manufactured can help determine their age and potential issues that may arise. While it may not be essential information, it can be useful to have on hand.
There are a few ways to find out when your AirPods were manufactured, including checking the original packaging, user manual, and using online tools such as Apple’s support website or third-party websites like applesn.info.
It’s important to note that the manufacturing date does not necessarily indicate the age of your AirPods, as they may have been sitting on a shelf for some time before being sold. Additionally, the manufacturing date does not necessarily indicate the quality or lifespan of your AirPods.
If you are experiencing any issues with your AirPods, such as poor battery life or connectivity problems, it’s best to contact Apple support for assistance. They may be able to help diagnose and resolve the issue, regardless of when your AirPods were manufactured.
While knowing the manufacturing date of your AirPods may be interesting, it’s not essential information. What’s more important is taking care of your AirPods and enjoying their convenience and functionality.
