Which AirPods Do I Have? The Complete Identification Guide (Every Model)

You need to know which AirPods you have — maybe for a repair quote, maybe to check compatibility with a new feature, maybe because you found a pair and want to know what they are. Whatever the reason, Apple hasn't made it obvious. The different generations look remarkably similar, and the model numbers printed on the earbuds are tiny enough to require a magnifying glass.

This guide gives you three ways to identify your AirPods: visually (by looking at them), digitally (through your iPhone settings), and by model number (the tiny text on the earbud or case). We cover every model Apple has released, from the original 2016 AirPods through to the 2024 AirPods 4 and AirPods Max USB-C.

Quickest method: If your AirPods are connected to an iPhone, go to Settings → Bluetooth → tap the (i) icon next to your AirPods name. Scroll down to see the model name, model number, serial number, and firmware version. Takes 10 seconds.

Quick Visual Identification

Before diving into model numbers, you can usually narrow down your AirPods to a specific generation just by looking at a few key details:

• Stems or no stems? All standard AirPods and AirPods Pro have stems. AirPods Max are over-ear headphones — completely different form factor
• Long stems or short stems? AirPods 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gen have longer stems. AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro have shorter stems
• Silicone ear tips? AirPods Pro (both generations) use interchangeable silicone ear tips. Standard AirPods have a hard plastic one-size design (AirPods 4 introduced an open-ear design without tips)
• Lightning or USB-C? This narrows the release year immediately

Standard AirPods: Generation by Generation

AirPods 1st Generation (2016)

The original. Released in December 2016, these were the AirPods that started the wireless earbud revolution — and the memes about looking like electric toothbrush heads.

• Model numbers: A1523, A1722 (left and right earbuds)
• Case model: A1602 (Lightning charging case)
• Key identifiers: Lightning charging only (no wireless), no LED on the front of the case (LED is inside, visible when you open the lid), double-tap gesture (not "Hey Siri")
• Chip: W1
• Connector: Lightning

The easiest way to distinguish 1st gen from 2nd gen is the LED position and Siri activation. If you have to double-tap for Siri (it doesn't respond to voice), it's 1st gen.

AirPods 2nd Generation (2019)

Externally identical to the 1st gen, but with meaningful internal upgrades. Released March 2019.

• Model numbers: A2031, A2032 (left and right earbuds)
• Case models: A1602 (Lightning case) or A1938 (Wireless Charging Case)
• Key identifiers: "Hey Siri" support (hands-free), LED on the front of the case (external, visible with lid closed), optional Wireless Charging Case available
• Chip: H1
• Connector: Lightning

The external LED on the case is the fastest visual check. If the LED is on the outside front of the case, it's 2nd gen or later. If it's hidden inside (only visible when open), it's 1st gen.

AirPods 3rd Generation (2021)

The first major redesign of the standard AirPods line. Released October 2021 with a shorter stem, contoured shape, and spatial audio.

• Model numbers: A2564, A2565 (left and right earbuds)
• Case models: A2566 (Lightning MagSafe case) or A2897 (USB-C case, released later)
• Key identifiers: Shorter stems than 1st/2nd gen, no silicone ear tips (hard plastic, contoured shape), force sensor on the stem (squeeze to control, not tap), spatial audio support, IPX4 sweat/water resistance
• Chip: H1
• Connector: Lightning or USB-C (depending on case revision)

If your standard AirPods have shorter stems and a force sensor (you squeeze to play/pause rather than tapping), they're 3rd gen. They're visibly different from 1st and 2nd gen in hand.

AirPods 4 (2024) — Two Variants

Apple released two versions of the AirPods 4 in September 2024: a standard model and an ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) model. Both share the same external earbud design but differ in case and internal capabilities.

AirPods 4 (Standard — No ANC)

• Model numbers: A3048, A3049 (left and right earbuds)
• Case model: A3050 (USB-C, no speaker)
• Key identifiers: Open-ear design (no silicone tips), shorter stems than 3rd gen, USB-C charging only (no wireless/MagSafe on standard case), personalised spatial audio, H2 chip
• Chip: H2
• Connector: USB-C
• Retail price: £129

AirPods 4 with ANC

• Model numbers: A3048, A3049 (same earbuds as standard)
• Case model: A3051 (USB-C with speaker, wireless charging)
• Key identifiers: Same earbuds as standard AirPods 4, but the case has a built-in speaker for Find My, supports wireless and MagSafe charging, active noise cancellation and transparency mode, adaptive audio and conversation awareness
• Chip: H2
• Connector: USB-C
• Retail price: £179

The earbuds themselves are identical between the two AirPods 4 models — the difference is entirely in the case capabilities and firmware-enabled features. If you're unsure which you have, check Settings → Bluetooth → (i) → it will specify "AirPods 4" or "AirPods 4 (ANC)."

AirPods Pro: Both Generations

AirPods Pro (1st Generation, 2019)

Apple's first noise-cancelling earbuds, released October 2019. The AirPods Pro introduced silicone ear tips, active noise cancellation, and transparency mode.

• Model numbers: A2083, A2084 (left and right earbuds)
• Case model: A2190 (Lightning with wireless charging)
• Key identifiers: Silicone ear tips (three sizes in the box), shorter stems than standard AirPods (at the time), ANC and Transparency mode, IPX4 water resistance, Lightning connector on case
• Chip: H1
• Connector: Lightning

How to distinguish Pro 1 from Pro 2: The quickest physical check is the case. If the case has a Lightning port and no lanyard loop, it's 1st gen. The Pro 2 case has either Lightning (early revision) or USB-C, a speaker for Find My, and a lanyard loop on the right side.

AirPods Pro 2 (2022/2023)

The current flagship AirPods, originally released September 2022 with a Lightning case, then updated in September 2023 with a USB-C case.

• Model numbers: A2698, A2699 (left and right earbuds — both case versions)
• Case models: A2700 (Lightning, 2022) or A3047 (USB-C, 2023)
• Key identifiers: XS ear tip size added (four sizes), lanyard loop on case, speaker in case (for Find My), touch-based volume control on stem (swipe up/down), adaptive transparency, personalised spatial audio, U1 chip in case (Precision Finding)
• Chip: H2
• Connector: Lightning (2022 revision) or USB-C (2023 revision)
• Retail price: £229

The volume swipe control on the stem is the definitive identifier. If you can swipe up and down on the stem to adjust volume, it's AirPods Pro 2. The 1st gen Pro only supported squeeze gestures.

AirPods Max: Both Versions

AirPods Max (Original, 2020)

• Model number: A2096
• Key identifiers: Lightning port for charging, stainless steel frame with aluminium ear cups, Digital Crown on right ear cup, available in five colours (Space Grey, Silver, Green, Sky Blue, Pink)
• Chip: H1
• Connector: Lightning

AirPods Max (2024, USB-C)

• Model number: A2886
• Key identifiers: USB-C port for charging, same design as original, new colour options (Midnight, Blue, Orange, Starlight, Purple), improved USB-C audio support
• Chip: H1 (same as original)
• Connector: USB-C
• Retail price: £499

Distinguishing the two AirPods Max models is straightforward: check the charging port. Lightning = 2020 original. USB-C = 2024 revision. The colours also differ between generations, so if yours is Space Grey, Green, Sky Blue, or Pink, it's the original. Midnight, Orange, Starlight, or Purple means it's the 2024 model.

How to Check in iOS Settings

The most reliable identification method doesn't require looking at the hardware at all. If your AirPods are paired with an iPhone or iPad:

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Bluetooth
3. Find your AirPods in the list and tap the (i) icon
4. Scroll down to see:
   • Name — the display name (customisable)
   • Model Name — e.g., "AirPods Pro (2nd generation)"
   • Model Number — the A-number (tap to toggle between left and right)
   • Serial Number — unique to your pair
   • Firmware Version — current software version

This method is definitive — no ambiguity, no squinting at tiny text. It works for all AirPods models from 1st gen onwards, as long as they're currently connected or have been previously paired with the device.

Using the Serial Number

If you can't pair the AirPods (maybe they're not yours, or the battery is completely dead), you can look up the serial number directly on Apple's coverage check page. The serial number is printed inside the charging case lid (for earbuds) or on the left ear cup (for AirPods Max). Enter it at checkcoverage.apple.com and Apple will tell you the exact model and its warranty status.

Complete Model Number Reference

For quick lookup, here's every AirPods model number Apple has used:

Feature Comparison Across Generations

Knowing which model you have is particularly useful when understanding what features are available to you:

Why Identifying Your Model Matters for Repair

At celltech, knowing your exact AirPods model is essential for three reasons:

1. Parts compatibility — batteries, drivers, and internal components differ between generations. We need to source the correct parts for your specific model
2. Accurate pricing — repair costs vary by generation. Our AirPods repair guide lists exact prices for every model
3. Repair viability — some repairs are straightforward on newer models but more challenging on older ones. Knowing the generation helps us set accurate expectations

If you're contacting us about a repair, having the model number or at minimum the generation (from Settings → Bluetooth) saves time and lets us give you an instant quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the model number printed on AirPods?

On AirPods earbuds, the model number is printed in tiny text on the underside of the earbud (the part that faces down when worn). You may need a magnifying glass. On the charging case, the model number is on the underside near the Lightning or USB-C port. On AirPods Max, it's engraved inside the left ear cup, under the cushion. The easiest method is always checking Settings → Bluetooth → (i) on a paired device.

Can I use AirPods Pro 2 replacement tips on AirPods Pro 1?

No. Despite looking similar, the ear tips are not cross-compatible between AirPods Pro 1st gen and Pro 2. The Pro 2 tips use a slightly different attachment mechanism (XS size was also added). Always use tips designed for your specific generation.

My AirPods say "AirPods" in Bluetooth settings — how do I know which generation?

Tap the (i) icon next to the name in Bluetooth settings and look at the "Model Name" field — this will say the full name including generation. If you previously renamed your AirPods, the display name won't indicate the model, but the Model Name field always shows the correct product identity.

Are AirPods 4 earbuds compatible with the AirPods 3 case?

No. Each AirPods generation has a case designed specifically for its earbuds. The charging contacts, magnets, and physical dimensions differ between generations. AirPods 4 earbuds only work with AirPods 4 cases (A3050 or A3051).

I have AirPods but don't know the generation — can you identify them?

Absolutely. Send clear photos or book a mail-in diagnostic and we'll identify the exact model. We can also check the serial number against Apple's database. This is part of our free diagnostic service — no charge, no obligation.

Does the generation affect repair pricing?

Yes. Newer models generally cost more to repair due to component costs. For example, an AirPods 1st gen earbud replacement is £49.95, while an AirPods Pro 2 earbud is £89.95. Our AirPods Pro 2 battery replacement guide and repair vs new comparison have full pricing for every model.

Once you've identified your AirPods, head to our complete AirPods repair guide for detailed repair information and pricing specific to your model. If you're specifically dealing with battery issues, our AirPods Pro 2 battery guide covers what to expect. And if you're weighing up repair versus replacement, our honest cost comparison lays out the numbers for every generation.