How to Tell the Difference Between AirPods Generations
AirPods
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Justin Duino / How-To Geek
Quick Links
-
The Model Number of Every AirPods Type
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Check the Imprinted Model Number on Your AirPods
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Find the Model Number in Bluetooth Device Settings
Key Takeaways
- The easiest way to tell the difference between AirPods generations is to find the model number.
- You can find the model number written on the AirPods, or you can find it on your phone by going to Settings > Bluetooth, clicking the Info icon, and then locating the Model Number.
- The latest models include AirPods 4, AirPods 4 (with ANC), AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C), and AirPods Max (USB-C).
There have been several models and generations of AirPods released over the years, and the differences can be hard to spot at first glance. If you aren’t an AirPods connoisseur and can’t tell the difference between generations by just looking, try finding the model number.
The Model Number of Every AirPods Type
The first thing you’ll want to know is which model number goes with which generation of AirPods. While there are differences between each generation, the differences in appearance may not be that noticeable to some. Matching the model number with the ones you own is the easiest way to tell which model you have.
|
Image |
Name |
Model Number |
Charging Case Model Number |
Release Year |
 |
AirPods (1st generation) |
A1523, A1722 |
|
2016 |
 |
AirPods (2nd generation) |
A2032, A2031 |
|
2019 |
 |
AirPods (3rd generation) |
A2565, A2564 |
|
2021 |
 |
AirPods Pro (1st generation) |
A2084, A2083 |
|
2019 |
 |
AirPods Pro (2nd generation) |
A2931, A2699, A2698 |
MagSafe Lightning case: A2700 |
2022 |
 |
AirPods Max |
A2096 |
N.A.AirPods Max with USB-C |
2020 |
 |
AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) |
A3047, A3048, A3049 |
MagSafe USB-C case: A2968 |
2023 |
 |
AirPods 4 |
A3053, A3050, A3054 |
USB-C charging case: A3058 |
2024 |
 |
AirPods 4 (with ANC) |
A3056, A3055, A3057 |
Wireless charging case: A3059 |
2024 |
 |
AirPods Max (USB-C) |
A3184 |
N.A. |
2024 |
Check the Imprinted Model Number on Your AirPods
If you’re having trouble identifying your AirPods by sight, you can find the model number on your AirPods and match it that way. There are a couple of ways you can do this. One way to do this is to look on your AirPods, right below the bud and at the top of the stem. You can also check the charging case model number imprinted on the inside.
Find the Model Number in Bluetooth Device Settings
Even with perfect eyesight, it’s extremely difficult to read the serial number on the AirPods due to the light coloring and small size of the text. Luckily, there’s another way.
First, pull out your iPhone and open the Settings app. If your AirPods are connected, the option to access their settings should show up below your Apple Account.
If the option isn’t available, open the Bluetooth settings menu and tap the “i” button next to your AirPods name.
On the following screen (which contains all settings related to your AirPods’ features), scroll down to the bottom and find the “Model Number” in the About section.
Match it with the model number in the above table to learn which AirPods you have.
If you’re confused between the AirPods 4 and the AirPods Pro 2, check out our detailed comparison to make an informed decision.
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