Your new iPhone, iPad, AirPods, Watch could be fake: 5 ways to verify
Buying an Apple product from an online marketplace or an unofficial seller can sometimes carry risks. Counterfeit devices have become increasingly convincing, often copying packaging, design, and even serial numbers. However, Apple products still offer several reliable ways to verify authenticity. Here are five essential checks to confirm whether your iPhone, iPad, AirPods, Apple Watch, or accessories are genuine.
Verify the serial number first The universal starting point for all Apple products is the serial number. You can find it on the device by going to Settings > General > About, or on the product box. Enter this serial number on Apple’s official coverage page. A genuine product will show the correct model name along with warranty and purchase details. An invalid serial number usually indicates a fake. However, since some counterfeit products reuse genuine serial numbers, this check should never be the only step.
Check iPhone and iPad software behaviour Software is the biggest giveaway on fake iPhones and iPads. Open the App Store and try searching for a popular app like YouTube or WhatsApp. If the device redirects you to Google Play or opens a web-based store, it is not genuine. Real iPhones and iPads only support Apple’s App Store. You can also connect the device to a Mac or Windows PC. If Finder or iTunes fails to recognise it or does not ask you to “Trust” the device, it is likely counterfeit.
Confirm AirPods using pairing and Find My AirPods are among the most commonly faked Apple products. Open the AirPods case near an unlocked iPhone. Genuine AirPods trigger a smooth animation showing battery levels. Counterfeit versions often require manual Bluetooth pairing. Additionally, real AirPods can be added to the Find My app. If they fail to appear as a device or item, that’s a major red flag. Genuine AirPods also have individual serial numbers printed on each earbud.
Inspect chargers and cables carefully Fake chargers and cables are not just unreliable but also unsafe. Authentic Apple cables include “Designed by Apple in California” text along with an assembly location and a 12-digit serial number printed near the connector. Lightning cables from Apple have smooth, rounded, single-piece contacts. Rough, uneven, or multi-piece contacts usually indicate counterfeit accessories. For third-party products, always check for official MFi certification.
Validate Apple Watch pairing and display A genuine Apple Watch can only be paired using the official Watch app on an iPhone. If the watch asks to connect via basic Bluetooth settings or relies on a third-party app, it is fake. Display design is another clue. Real Apple Watches have slim, even bezels, while fake models often feature a thick black border, especially at the bottom.
