Counterfeit Apple items may appear convincing on the surface, but a recent X-ray comparison has unveiled the stark differences between genuine AirPods and their counterfeit counterparts.

1. X-ray Reveals Key Differences between
Authentic Apple AirPods and Counterfeits
Counterfeit Apple products have become a significant concern in recent years, with
the proliferation of knockoffs flooding the market. The issue gained attention when
U.S. officials seized more than a thousand counterfeit AirPods and Apple Watches
earlier this year, highlighting the scale of the problem. In response to this growing
challenge, Apple has established a dedicated team to combat the illegal production
of its products. Counterfeit Apple items may appear convincing on the surface, but
a recent X-ray comparison has unveiled the stark differences between genuine
AirPods and their counterfeit counterparts.
X-ray Examination Reveals Key Discrepancies
Jon Bruner, an individual associated with Lumafield, recently shared a
groundbreaking X-ray comparison between authentic Apple AirPods Pro and two
pairs of counterfeit AirPods, alongside some counterfeit MacBook chargers. This
detailed examination was made available through social media, the company’s
blog, and a YouTube video, shedding light on three major distinctions that set the
authentic and counterfeit AirPods apart.
Batteries:
The authentic AirPods boast meticulously-engineered button cell batteries in each
earbud. These batteries are designed to fit perfectly within the compact form factor
while providing optimal power efficiency. In stark contrast, the counterfeit

2. AirPods house lithium-ion pouch cell batteries. Not only are these pouch cell
batteries less sophisticated in construction, but they also pose potential safety
concerns. The rectangular pouches are crammed into circular spaces, leading to an
ill-fitting configuration.
Circuitry:
The X-ray comparison images revealed that genuine AirPods are a marvel of
miniaturization and precision engineering. Apple uses a combination of rigid and
flexible printed circuit boards to densely pack components, ensuring the efficient
utilization of every millimeter of space. Conversely, the counterfeit AirPods
feature simpler electronics assembled from off-the-shelf components. This results
in reduced functionality, with fewer microphones and less control circuitry,
ultimately compromising the sound quality of the counterfeits.
Build Quality:
Lumafield described the observed differences in build quality as “dramatic.” One
of the counterfeit AirPods lacked wireless charging entirely, with no visible coils
in the X-ray comparison scans. The other counterfeit model had wireless charging
coils but was missing the magnets that securely attach the real AirPods case to
Apple’s Watch charger. In an attempt to mimic the genuine product’s heft, the
counterfeit AirPods resorted to using internal weights with no other function than
making them feel heavier. This deceptive tactic compensates for the substandard
materials used in their construction, which not only affects the tactile experience
but also compromises the structural integrity and overall lifespan of the fake
products.
To provide consumers with a more comprehensive understanding of these
differences, Jon Bruner collaborated with Adam Savage to create a video
showcasing the real and counterfeit AirPods, as well as some Apple chargers after
conducting the X-ray examinations.