Which AirPods do I have? This is how you check it in 4 steps
There are now five types of AirPods available. So it can be quite difficult to tell the different earplugs apart. Fortunately, finding this out is not that difficult. Which AirPods do I have? Right, this one!
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Which AirPods do I have?
AirPods: they are now an indispensable part of Apple’s range. Back in 2017, when the first version of the iconic earbuds came out, they were ridiculed, but at the end of the day, Apple is laughing the loudest. AirPods are now one of the most important sources of revenue. That is why Apple regularly releases a new version.
Where it started in 2017 with the first AirPods, we have now arrived at the third generation. In between, Apple also released the AirPods 2, more expensive AirPods Pro earbuds and the AirPods Max, a high-quality headset.
Because the differences between some models are quite small, it is best to look at the model number to check which AirPods you have. This is how you do it:
- Grab your iPhone (or, for example, your iPad or Mac);
- Open the Settings app and go to ‘Bluetooth’;
- Find your AirPods in the list and tap the information sign next to it;
- You will then be shown the model number (starting with letter “A”), among other things. Write this down.
Can’t quite figure it out? The model number is also printed on the AirPods themselves. You will find this on the first line of the printed text on the bottom of each earpiece. Are you wearing an AirPods Max? Then the model number is below the left ear cushion. However, there is only one type of AirPods Max, so there is no doubt which variant you have.
Look it up
Have you noted the model number of your AirPods? Then it is a matter of looking them up in the list below.
Check charging case
AirPods are powered by putting them in a charging case. Just as there are different types of earplugs, Apple also sells all kinds of charging boxes.
Basically, these all do the same thing – charge your AirPods – but some versions have wireless charging. You can therefore supply these with power via MagSafe, for example, and do not require a wired connection.
You can find the model number of your AirPods charging case on the bottom of the box. You can then look it up again in the table:
| Version | Model Number | Wireless charging? | Introduction year |
|---|---|---|---|
| MagSafe Charging Case for AirPods 3 | A2566 | Yes | 2021 |
| MagSafe Charging Case for AirPods Pro | A2190 | Yes | 2021 |
| Charging case for AirPods Pro | A2190 | new | 2019 |
| Wireless charging case for AirPods (2) | A1938 | new | 2019 |
| Lightning Charging Case for AirPods (2) | A1602 | new | 2017 |
You can also see on the outside of a charging case whether it can charge wirelessly or not. Models that can do this have an LED light on the front. AirPods charging cases without this option do not have this light.
The latest AirPods
We had to wait a long time for it, but in 2021 Apple released the third generation AirPods. The new earbuds are more similar in design to the AirPods Pro and also in terms of functions, a few things are ‘borrowed’. You can read (or look) how you like the AirPods 3 and whether the earplugs are recommended in our review.
→ Read the full AirPods 3 review
