Since the 1st generation of AirPods launched in 2016, there has been significant changes with each generation. However, the first two models of the AirPods: AirPods 1st generation and AirPods 2nd generation are almost identical.
In fact, one of our most returned products is the AirPods 1st generation. The reasons is because a customer will order the 1st generation replacement when they meant to order the 2nd generation. You can’t mix and match an AirPod 1st generation and AirPods 2nd generation replacement together.
Unlike other AirPods models, you can’t just rely on the model number of the charging case alone. The regularAirPods charging case (A1602) and the wireless AirPods charging case (A1938) work for both the AirPods 1st generation and the AirPods 2nd generation. So how do you figure out what model you have so you can purchase the correct replacement? Continue reading to find 3 easy ways to figure out which model you own.
- Check Model Number Through Settings (iOS)
- Check Model Numbers Manually on AirPod
- When did you purchase your original AirPods?
Check Model Number Through Settings (iOS)
The easiest way to check which version you have is checking your phone settings. If your AirPods are connected to an iOS device, you find the model number by:
- Open Settings
- Select Bluetooth
- Select My Device
- Scroll down to the About section where you'll find the Model Number, which will be A + 4 digits.
Photo of the About section for an AirPods 2nd generation. A2031 is a left AirPods 2nd generation, so we can conclude the original set is an AirPods Pro 1st generation.
For more information, here's the AirPods model chart down below.
Check Model Numbers Manually on AirPod
If you’re unable to check the model number using your phone, you can check the model number (A+4 digits) manually. The model number will be underneath the AirPod. Here’s an example photo below.
An example photo of a left AirPods 1st generation (A1722). The AirPod information is circled in red. This is where you’ll find the model number.
Here’s the photo comparison between the left AirPods 1st generation and left AirPods 2nd generation.
Two photo of the left AirPod. The photo on the left is a photo of the left AirPods 1st generation (A1722). The photo on the right is a photo of the left AirPods 2nd generation (A2031).
Here’s the photo comparison between the right AirPods 1st generation and left AirPods 2nd generation.
Two photo of the right AirPod. The photo on the left is a photo of the right AirPods 1st generation (A1523). The photo on the right is a photo of the right AirPods 2nd generation (A2032).
When did you purchase your original AirPods?
What happens if the model number is faded and you’re unable to locate your original set on your iOS device? Sometimes, you can tell what model you have, depending on when you originally purchased your original AirPods set directly from Apple.
This is for new AirPods that were purchased directly from Apple. Sometimes other authorized vendors that sell Apple products, including AirPods, will sell their remaining stock past the discontinuation date until they’re out of stock.
If you purchased your AirPods before March 2019 from Apple, there’s a chance you own AirPods 1st generation. If you purchased your AirPods after March 2019, you most likely have AirPods 2nd generation.
AirPods 2nd generation were released in March 2019 and were discontinued last year. If you’re wondering what version you have, the AirPods 2nd generation are more common.
If you’re still need help figuring out what AirPods you own, please don't hestistate to contact us and send us photos of your original AirPods.