Are you wondering how to tell the difference between AirPods 1 and 2?
Although the two models look similar, there are some key differences that can help you tell them apart.
Knowing which model you have is important, as it can affect the features and capabilities of your AirPods.
One way to distinguish between the two models is by checking the model number.
You can find the model number on the AirPods themselves or by going to the Bluetooth settings on your phone.
Another way to tell the difference is by looking at the charging case.
The second-generation AirPods have an LED light on the front of the case that the first-generation AirPods do not have.
These are just a few of the ways to determine which model of AirPods you have.
By understanding the differences between AirPods 1 and 2, you can make sure you are getting the most out of your device.
Whether you are looking to upgrade or simply curious about the model you have, this guide will provide you with the information you need to differentiate between the two models.
How To Tell The Difference Between Airpods 1 And 2
If you’re trying to figure out whether you have AirPods 1 or 2, there are a few key differences to look out for
Design Differences
At first glance, it can be difficult to tell the difference between AirPods 1 and 2. Both models look almost identical, with the same iconic white design. However, there are a few subtle design differences to look out for.
One of the most noticeable differences is the LED light on the front of the AirPods 2 charging case. This LED light indicates the charging status of the earbuds and the charging case. The first-generation AirPods charging case doesn’t have any LED light.
Model Number
Another way to determine whether you have AirPods 1 or 2 is by checking the model number. You can find the model number written on the AirPods themselves, or you can check your phone’s Bluetooth settings to see the model number.
The model number for AirPods 1 is A1523/A1722, while the model number for AirPods 2 is A2032/A2031. If you’re not sure where to find the model number on your AirPods, check the Apple website for more information.
Year Introduced
AirPods 1 were introduced in December 2016, while AirPods 2 were introduced in March 2019. If you bought your AirPods before March 2019, there’s a good chance you have the first-generation model.
Other Differences
There are a few other differences between AirPods 1 and 2 that may affect your experience with the earbuds. For example, AirPods 2 have improved battery life and faster connectivity than the first-generation model. Additionally, AirPods 2 can be charged wirelessly, while the first-generation model requires a wired charging case.
Overall, if you’re trying to determine whether you have AirPods 1 or 2, look for design differences, check the model number, and consider when you purchased the earbuds. With these tips, you should be able to easily tell which model of AirPods you have.
Physical Differences
When it comes to physical differences between AirPods 1 and 2, there are a few things to keep an eye out for. In this section, we’ll go over the design and build quality, as well as the underside and status light of both models.
Design And Build Quality
At first glance, both AirPods 1 and 2 look almost identical. However, upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that the AirPods 2 have a slightly different design. The LED light on the front of the charging case has been moved to the front of the case, making it easier to see when your AirPods are charging. Additionally, the hinge on the AirPods 2 charging case is slightly more rounded.
In terms of build quality, both models are made from the same high-quality materials. The earbuds themselves are made from a hard plastic, while the charging case is made from a soft-touch plastic that feels great in your hand.
Underside
One of the easiest ways to tell the difference between AirPods 1 and 2 is by looking at the underside of the charging case. If your AirPods have a model number of A2032 or A2031, then you have the AirPods 2. If your AirPods have a model number of A1523 or A1722, then you have the AirPods 1.
Status Light
Another way to tell the difference between AirPods 1 and 2 is by looking at the status light on the charging case. On the AirPods 1 charging case, the status light is located inside the case, near the bottom. On the AirPods 2 charging case, the status light is located on the front of the case, just below the lid.
Overall, while there are a few physical differences between AirPods 1 and 2, they are relatively minor. The main differences between the two models are under the hood, with the AirPods 2 offering improved battery life and faster connectivity.
Charging Cases
When it comes to AirPods, the charging case is an essential accessory that keeps your earbuds powered up and ready to use. There are a few different types of charging cases available for AirPods, including wireless charging cases and Magsafe-compatible charging cases. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at these different options and what you need to know about them.
About Charging Cases
Both AirPods 1 and 2 come with a charging case that uses a lightning connector to charge the case and the earbuds. The charging case provides several additional charges to your AirPods, allowing you to use them for several hours without needing to recharge. The battery status of the charging case and the AirPods can be checked on your iPhone or iPad.
Wireless Charging Cases
The AirPods 2 come with an optional wireless charging case that allows you to charge your earbuds without using a cable. The wireless charging case is Qi-certified, which means it works with most Qi wireless charging pads. When you place the case on a charging pad, the status light on the front of the case will turn on to indicate that it’s charging.
Magsafe-Compatible Charging Cases
The AirPods Pro 2 come with a Magsafe-compatible charging case that allows you to charge your earbuds using a Magsafe charger.
The Magsafe charger uses magnets to align the charger with the charging coil in the case, ensuring a secure and efficient charge.
The Magsafe-compatible charging case also supports wireless charging, so you can use it with a Qi-certified charging pad if you prefer.
That’s everything you need to know about charging cases for AirPods 1 and 2. Whether you choose a wireless charging case or a Magsafe-compatible charging case, you can be sure that your AirPods will always be ready to use when you need them.
Chipsets and Compatibility
When it comes to AirPods, the chipset is an important factor to consider. There are two chipsets used in AirPods: the H1 and the W1. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
H1 Chip And W1 Chip
The H1 chip is found in the second-generation AirPods, as well as the AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and other Beats headphones. The W1 chip, on the other hand, is found in the first-generation AirPods.
One of the main differences between the two chips is that the H1 chip supports “Hey Siri” voice commands, while the W1 chip does not. Additionally, the H1 chip provides faster and more stable connectivity than the W1 chip.
Bluetooth 5 And Bluetooth 4.2 Compatibility
Both the AirPods 1 and 2 support Bluetooth 5.0, which provides faster data transfer and better power efficiency than Bluetooth 4.2. However, the AirPods 1 were released before Bluetooth 5.0 became widely adopted, so they may not work as well with devices that only support Bluetooth 4.2.
Hey Siri And Siri Support
As mentioned earlier, only AirPods with the H1 chip support “Hey Siri” voice commands. However, both AirPods 1 and 2 support Siri when activated manually by double-tapping the earbuds.
Compatibility With Apple Devices And Android
All AirPods are designed to work seamlessly with Apple devices running iOS 10 or later, macOS Sierra or later, and watchOS 3 or later. However, AirPods can also be paired with Android devices and other Bluetooth-enabled devices.
It’s worth noting that some features, such as “Hey Siri” and automatic ear detection, may not work as well or at all with non-Apple devices.
Here’s a table summarizing the compatibility of each AirPods generation:
| AirPods Generation | Compatible Devices |
|---|---|
| 1st Generation | iOS 10 or later, macOS Sierra or later, watchOS 3 or later, Android, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices |
| 2nd Generation | iOS 12.2 or later, macOS Mojave 10.14.4 or later, watchOS 5.2 or later, tvOS 13 or later, Android, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices |
That’s it for the Chipsets and Compatibility of AirPods 1 and 2.
Functional Differences
When it comes to functional differences between AirPods 1 and 2, there are a few key areas to consider. Here are the main differences:
Talk Time And Listening Time
AirPods 2 have a slight edge over the first-generation AirPods in terms of talk time and listening time. With AirPods 2, you can expect up to 3 hours of talk time and up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge. In contrast, the first-generation AirPods offer up to 2 hours of talk time and up to 5 hours of listening time.
External Speaker And Lanyard Loop
AirPods 2 come with an external speaker that allows you to listen to audio without having to put the earbuds in your ears. They also feature a lanyard loop, which makes it easier to carry them around. These features are not present on the first-generation AirPods.
Siri And Status Light
AirPods 2 have a hands-free “Hey Siri” feature, which allows you to access Apple’s digital assistant without having to touch your earbuds. They also have a status light on the front of the case, which lets you know when your AirPods are charging. The first-generation AirPods do not have either of these features.
Settings And Upgrades
AirPods 2 offer a number of settings and upgrades that are not available on the first-generation AirPods. For example, with AirPods 2, you can customize the double-tap feature on each earbud to perform different actions. You can also update the firmware on your AirPods 2 to take advantage of new features and bug fixes. The first-generation AirPods do not offer these options.
Overall, while there are some differences between AirPods 1 and 2, they are relatively minor. If you’re happy with your first-generation AirPods, there’s no need to rush out and upgrade to the newer model. However, if you’re in the market for a new pair of wireless earbuds, AirPods 2 are definitely worth considering.
Identifying AirPods 1 And 2
If you’re wondering how to tell the difference between AirPods 1 and 2, there are a few ways to do so. In this section, we’ll cover the model numbers and serial numbers, as well as the differences in packaging and accessories.
Model Numbers And Serial Numbers
The easiest way to identify your AirPods is by looking at the model number and serial number. The first-generation AirPods have the model number A1523, while the second-generation AirPods have the model number A2032. You can find the model number on the back of the AirPods charging case.
To find the serial number, open the lid of your AirPods charging case and look for the serial number on the inside of the lid. Alternatively, you can go to your iPhone’s settings, tap on “General,” then “About,” and scroll down to find your AirPods listed with their serial number.
Differences in Packaging And Accessories
Another way to tell the difference between AirPods 1 and 2 is by looking at the packaging and accessories that come with them. The second-generation AirPods come in a slightly different box than the first-generation AirPods. The newer box is taller and slimmer, while the older box is shorter and wider.
The second-generation AirPods also come with a wireless charging case option, which the first-generation AirPods do not have. If your AirPods come with a wireless charging case, you have the second-generation AirPods.
In terms of accessories, the second-generation AirPods also come with a few additional features. They have improved battery life, faster connectivity, and support for “Hey Siri” voice commands. The first-generation AirPods do not have these features.
In conclusion, identifying AirPods 1 and 2 is relatively easy once you know what to look for. By checking the model number and serial number, as well as the packaging and accessories, you can quickly determine which generation of AirPods you have.
Fake AirPods
If you’re in the market for AirPods, it’s important to know how to spot fake ones. Fake AirPods are often sold at a cheaper price than the real deal, but they lack the quality and features of the genuine product.
Here’s how to tell if your AirPods are fake.
How To Spot Fake AirPods
There are a few things to look out for when trying to identify fake AirPods. Here are some tips:
- Check the model number: The model number of your AirPods can be found on the charging case. If the model number doesn’t match the official Apple model numbers, it’s likely that you have fake AirPods.
- Analyze the design: Fake AirPods often have design flaws that are easy to spot. Check the size and shape of the earbuds, the color of the ear tips, and the placement of the sensors. If anything looks off, it’s likely that you have fake AirPods.
- Look for the Apple logo: The Apple logo should be on the charging case and the earbuds themselves. If the logo is missing or looks different than the official logo, it’s likely that you have fake AirPods.
Differences In Design And Build Quality
Fake AirPods often have design and build quality differences compared to the genuine product.
Here are some of the things to look out for:
- Weight: Fake AirPods are often lighter than the real thing. If your AirPods feel unusually light, it’s likely that you have fake ones.
- Build quality: Genuine AirPods have a solid build quality and are made with high-quality materials. Fake AirPods are often made with cheap plastic and feel flimsy.
- Sound quality: Fake AirPods often have poor sound quality compared to the genuine product. If your AirPods sound tinny or distorted, it’s likely that you have fake ones.
In conclusion, it’s important to be cautious when buying AirPods. Always buy from a reputable seller and be sure to check the model number and design before making a purchase.
Key Takeaways
If you’re trying to figure out whether you have AirPods 1 or 2, there are a few key differences to look out for. Here are the main takeaways:
- Model number: The easiest way to tell the difference is to check the model number. The first-generation AirPods have the model number A1523, while the second-generation AirPods have the model number A2032. You can find the model number on the back of the AirPods charging case. Open the lid and turn it over.
- Wireless charging case: The second-generation AirPods come with an optional wireless charging case, which allows you to charge your AirPods by placing the case on a Qi-compatible charging mat. If your AirPods come with a wireless charging case, they are second-generation.
- Hey Siri: The second-generation AirPods allow you to activate Siri hands-free by saying “Hey Siri”. This feature is not available on the first-generation AirPods.
- Battery life: The second-generation AirPods have slightly better battery life than the first-generation AirPods. They offer up to five hours of listening time and three hours of talk time, compared to the first-generation AirPods’ four and two hours, respectively.
- Bluetooth connectivity: The second-generation AirPods use Bluetooth 5.0, which offers faster and more stable connectivity than the first-generation AirPods’ Bluetooth 4.2.
By keeping these differences in mind, you should be able to tell whether you have AirPods 1 or 2.
If you’re still not sure, you can always check the model number or contact Apple support for assistance.
