How to Tell the Difference Between AirPods Generations (2024)

FAQs

How to tell the difference between airpod generations? ›

You can use the model number of your AirPods to find out which generation of AirPods you have.

AirPods, the second-gen has longer support for talk time than its predecessor. Apple notes up to 50% more, though lists talk time as three hours (the original AirPods has two hours of talk time). The H1 chip is also up to 1.5 times faster when switching from different audio sources.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods Pro 1: At a glance

The AirPods Pro 2 have onboard volume controls that you won't find on the original AirPods Pro. The AirPods Pro 2 earbuds have the H2 chip, and the case houses the U1 chip, while the AirPods Pro 1 use the H1 chip.

The Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Truly Wireless are better for most purposes than the Apple AirPods (1st generation) Truly Wireless. The 3rd generation have a longer continuous battery life, a better control scheme, and an IPX4 rating for water resistance.

The easiest and most foolproof way of checking if your AirPods are legit is by doing a serial number check. Look for their serial number on the box and put it into Apple's Check Coverage tool. You'll see details on your AirPods model, purchase date, and warranty if they're genuine.

Aside from the design change, which should fit most ears better than the AirPods 2nd Generation (though not very small ears), the biggest change is to the sound quality: It's much improved. Also, battery life is better, and the AirPods 3 are officially water-resistant.

For example, the counterfeiter takes the serial number from a 100% legit pair of AirPods and prints that on the box for their 100% non-legit pair of AirPods. To that point, most cloned AirPods do actually use a valid serial number, but they often use a single serial number for both L and R AirPods.

The second generation AirPods remained on sale with a price cut following the release of the third generation in October 2021, but only available with the Lightning charging case. The model numbers for the second-generation AirPods are A2032 and A2031.

The model number can be found in the same way as the serial number. So make sure your AirPods are connected to your iPhone and go to Settings > General > About > Airpods. The model number is also listed on each Airpod itself. You'll find the fine print on the underside of the earpiece, near the stick.

The AirPods 3 borrow some of the Pros' key features — including their sleek looks and immersive Spatial Audio — but pack them into a simpler and more affordable design that sacrifices things like ANC and a secure silicon fit.

Which generation of AirPods is better? ›

Which generation of AirPods are the best? We think the AirPods (3rd generation) are superior to the AirPods (2nd generation) in several aspects, including a more comfortable fit, an IPX4 water-resistant rating, support for spatial audio, a MagSafe charging case, and better battery life.

AirPods Generation 1 and 2 cases are the same sized cases. This model features longer ear pieces compared to the other 2 models.

AirPods (3rd generation): A2565, A2564. AirPods Pro (1st generation): A2084, A2083.

The AirPods 3 borrow some of the Pros' key features — including their sleek looks and immersive Spatial Audio — but pack them into a simpler and more affordable design that sacrifices things like ANC and a secure silicon fit.