Industrial CT Scans Reveal Differences Between Real and Fake AirPods [Video]

New industrial CT scans taken by Lumafield reveal the differences between real AirPods Pro and fake knockoffs. The company previous scanned AirPods Pro to determine the difference between the first and second generation models.

Today's counterfeit products often appear visually identical to genuine articles, but CT scans of the internal structure can be examined to reveal the secrets hidden inside.




Lumafield outlines three areas that significantly differ between real and fake AirPods.

● Batteries
The authentic AirPods house meticulously-engineered button cell batteries in each earbud, designed to fit snugly within the compact form factor and provide optimal power efficiently. In contrast, both specimens of counterfeit AirPods contain lithium-ion pouch cell batteries that are not only less sophisticated in their construction but also potentially less safe. The rectangular pouches are crammed into circular spaces rather than tailored to fit.


● Circuitry
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.





● Build quality
One of the fakes doesn't offer wireless charging at all (no coils are visible in the scans), and the other one has wireless charging coils but lacks the magnets that snap the real AirPods case onto Apple's Watch charger. The counterfeit AirPods even resort to using internal weights with no other function than to mimic the heft of the genuine product, a deceptive tactic for making them feel heavier to compensate for poorer materials and less functionality.




If you are considering the purchase of wireless Apple earbuds, we strongly recommend getting the real deal. To save money, grab them while on sale. Right now, all three Apple AirPods models are being discounted:
● AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C): $199.99 ($49.01 off)
● AirPods 3: $149.99 ($19.01 off)
● AirPods 2: $99 ($30 off)

You can explore the AirPods Pro scans in much more detail at the link below and in this X thread. Notably, Lumafield also scanned a real and fake MagSafe 2 Power Adapter.

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