Counterfeit Apple products are a growing concern, and their deceptive external appearances often make it challenging to spot the fakes. However, thanks to X-ray technology, the stark differences between genuine Apple AirPods and their counterfeit counterparts have been exposed.
Jon Bruner, from Lumafield, recently shared a comprehensive X-ray comparison that unearths the disparities in batteries, circuitry, and build quality between authentic AirPods and knockoff versions.
Spotting Fake AirPods Via X-ray
The heart of the matter lies in the batteries. Genuine AirPods Pro features meticulously engineered button cell batteries within each earbud, according to Bruner. These batteries are designed to fit perfectly within the compact form factor, ensuring optimal power efficiency.
The world is full of counterfeit Apple products. We CT scanned two fake AirPods and compared them to the real thing… 🧵 pic.twitter.com/VFWvAwUrox
— Jon Bruner (@JonBruner) November 7, 2023
On the contrary, the counterfeit AirPods employ lithium-ion pouch cell batteries. Not only are these pouches less sophisticated in their construction, but they may also pose safety concerns, 9to5Mac notes in its report. The rectangular pouches are awkwardly crammed into circular spaces, a far cry from the tailored and efficient design of authentic AirPods.
The X-rays also unveil that genuine AirPods embody a "marvel of miniaturization and precision engineering." This is achieved through a combination of rigid and flexible printed circuit boards. These circuit boards allow for the dense packing of components, making the most of every millimeter of space.
"On the other hand, the counterfeit AirPods reveal much simpler electronics cobbled together from off-the-shelf components. That leaves less room for functionality; the counterfeits have fewer microphones and less control circuitry, compromising their sound quality," Bruner said.
In stark contrast, the counterfeit AirPods' circuitry lacks the finesse and precision found in their authentic counterparts.
Build Quality: Authentic vs. Substandard
The differences in build quality are nothing short of dramatic. Counterfeit AirPods resort to various tactics to imitate the real deal but fall short in every aspect.
One of the fake models lacks wireless charging functionality, evident from the absence of coils in the X-ray scans. The other counterfeit model includes wireless charging coils but omits the magnets responsible for securely attaching the genuine AirPods case to Apple's Watch charger.
Furthermore, these fakes employ internal weights with no functional purpose other than to mimic the weight of genuine products. This deceptive strategy attempts to compensate for the poor materials and lack of functionality, resulting in an inferior tactile experience.
Not only does this compromise the structural integrity of the counterfeit AirPods, but it also significantly shortens their overall lifespan.
Bruner has gone a step further to dissect the differences between genuine and counterfeit AirPods. In collaboration with Adam Savage, a comprehensive examination of these two versions, along with some Apple chargers, was conducted. This analysis, supported by X-ray technology, highlights the necessity of vigilance when purchasing Apple products, ensuring that you receive the quality and authenticity you expect.
In a world filled with imitation, the ability to distinguish the real from the fake becomes even more challenging. The revelations brought to light by these X-ray comparisons serve as a compelling reminder to invest in genuine Apple products for an unrivaled experience and peace of mind.
The Redditors agreed that fake products have no place but to blend among the authentic ones. It's not worth your money because they do not undergo quality checks before being sold.
