 |     |
| |
This is tricky because the case has a serial number, and each earbud has a different one.
While Apple has recently shifted to randomized, 10–12 character serial numbers for new products (starting around 2021), older devices (pre-2021) tell a story. If you run an Apple serial number check Apple provides for an older Mac or iPhone, you can manually decode it: apple serial number check apple
Old Format (12 characters): AABCDDDDEEFG This is tricky because the case has a
Modern Format (Randomized): Since Fall 2021 (starting with iPhone 13, MacBook Pro M1 Pro/Max), Apple moved to a fully randomized, alphanumeric string of 10–12 characters. You cannot decode these manually. You must run them through Apple’s official servers to get any information. Modern Format (Randomized): Since Fall 2021 (starting with
You cannot run a check without the number. Here is where to find it on every major product:
If you enter a serial number into Apple’s official website and it comes up as invalid, you are likely holding a fake or "clone" device. Many high-quality Android clones mimic the look of an iPhone but cannot mimic a valid Apple serial number in Apple's database.
For iPhone 11 and later models, Apple added a "Parts and Service History" section to the Settings > About screen. This uses the serial number logic to verify if a battery replacement was done using genuine Apple parts.