How To Tell What Generation Airpods You Have

Ever found yourself staring at your trusty AirPods, wondering, "Which generation of sonic perfection do I actually own?" It's a surprisingly common question, and honestly, a fun little quest for any Apple enthusiast. Knowing your AirPods generation isn't just about bragging rights; it's super useful! It helps you understand what features you have, what accessories are compatible (like AirTag holders or fancy charging cases), and what to expect when it's time for an upgrade. Plus, if you're ever selling them or buying second-hand, this knowledge is gold.

Think of it like knowing the model year of your car. Each generation of AirPods brings subtle, and sometimes not-so-subtle, improvements. Maybe you have that sweet Active Noise Cancellation from the AirPods Pro, or perhaps the seamless auto-switching between devices that the newer generations nail. Or, you might be rocking the original, classic design, which is still fantastic! This guide is here to turn you into an AirPods generation detective, armed with simple steps to uncover the truth behind your earbuds.

The Case of the Missing Generation Number: Unmasking Your AirPods

So, how do you pinpoint the exact generation of your AirPods? It's easier than you might think! Apple, bless their organized hearts, has made it relatively straightforward to find this information without needing a degree in tech forensics.

Method 1: The Stealthy iPhone/iPad Approach (The Easiest Way!)

This is by far the most popular and user-friendly method. Grab your iPhone or iPad – the device you most commonly connect your AirPods to.

Make sure your AirPods are connected to your iPhone or iPad and are either in your ears or nearby.

How To Tell What Generation AirPods You Have (1 Or 2) - The Gadget

Now, follow these simple steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap on Bluetooth.
3. Under the "My Devices" list, find your AirPods. You might see them listed as "AirPods," "AirPods Pro," or "AirPods Max."
4. Tap the 'i' icon (the little circle with an 'i' inside) next to your AirPods name.

Voila! You'll be presented with a screen full of information about your earbuds. Scroll down, and you should see a line item that says "Model" or "Model Number." Next to it will be a designation like "Axxxx." This is your secret code!

How To Tell What Generation AirPods You Have (1 Or 2) - The Gadget

What That 'Axxxx' Code Means

This Model Number is the key to unlocking your AirPods generation. Here’s a quick decoder ring for the most common ones:

• AirPods (1st generation): Model Number A1523 or A1722
• AirPods (2nd generation): Model Number A2032 or A2031
• AirPods (3rd generation): Model Number A2565 or A2564
• AirPods Pro (1st generation): Model Number A2084 or A2083
• AirPods Pro (2nd generation): Model Number A2931 or A2699 (Note: For the newest AirPods Pro (2nd gen) with USB-C, the case model number might differ, but the earbuds themselves will point to this generation.)
• AirPods Max: Model Number A2096

See? Simple! You're likely looking at one of these common numbers. The difference between the two numbers listed for some generations often relates to the left and right earbud, or whether it's a specific region's model. For our purposes, either will get you to the right generation.

Method 2: The Physical Clue Hunt (For the Adventurous!)

If, for some reason, you can't access your iPhone/iPad, or you just like a bit of a treasure hunt, you can find clues on the AirPods charging case itself.

Identify Your AirPods Model - Tell Which AirPods I Have

This method requires a bit of good eyesight and good lighting!

Here's where to look:

What AirPods Do I Have? A Guide on Identifying Your AirPods Model

• Open the lid of your AirPods charging case.
• Flip the case over so you're looking at the underside of the lid or the inside back of the case (where the hinge is).
• You'll see a bunch of tiny, tiny text printed there. You're looking for the Model Number, which will again be in the Axxxx format.

You might need a magnifying glass or to zoom in with your phone's camera to read it clearly. Once you've found that magical Axxxx number, you can refer back to our handy decoder ring above to identify your generation.

Why Does This Matter? The Perks of Knowing Your AirPods Generation

Beyond satisfying your curiosity, knowing your AirPods generation is genuinely helpful:

• Feature Knowledge: Are you wondering if your AirPods support Spatial Audio or Adaptive Transparency? Knowing the generation tells you exactly what features are built in. For example, Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking is a key feature of AirPods 3rd generation and AirPods Pro (both generations).
• Compatibility: Need a new charging case, a different ear tip size for your AirPods Pro, or a silicone cover? Knowing your model ensures you buy accessories that will actually fit and work. Not all cases are cross-compatible, especially between AirPods Pro and standard AirPods.
• Troubleshooting: If you're experiencing issues, knowing your generation helps when searching for solutions online or when contacting Apple Support. They'll often ask for your model.
• Upgrade Decisions: When you're thinking about getting the latest and greatest, knowing what you have helps you understand the leap in technology and whether it's worth the investment for you. Maybe the improvements in the latest AirPods Pro (2nd generation), like enhanced ANC and longer battery life, are exactly what you've been waiting for.
• Selling or Buying Used: If you plan to sell your AirPods or buy a pre-owned pair, the generation is a crucial piece of information for setting a fair price and understanding what you're getting.

So there you have it! No more guessing games. You're now equipped to confidently identify your AirPods generation. Whether you're a proud owner of the original classics or the latest cutting-edge buds, understanding your tech just makes the experience all the more enjoyable. Happy listening!