Because Apple AirPods are now available in a variety of versions, you’ll need to know how to figure out which sort of truly wireless headphones you have.
Furthermore, because to the expensive cost of AirPods, buyers are more likely to fall victim to scammers who sell imitation AirPods or misrepresent Generation 1 AirPods as Generation 2.
There are a lot of variations between the original and second generation of AirPods, but none of them are easily distinguishable.
So, how do you know if your AirPods are Generation 1 or Generation 2
The simplest way to tell if you have generation 1 or 2 AirPods is to look at the model number. The model number can be found in your phone’s settings, on the charging case, or on the AirPods themselves. AirPods A1722 and A1523 are the first generation, whereas AirPods A2031 and A2032 are the second generation. Knowing how to verify the AirPods model might be helpful, especially because the new model looks to be identical to the previous one.
This article will come in handy if you’re attempting to find out which AirPods model to get. The inability to tell the difference between the new and old AirPods devices makes things harder.
The scenario becomes worse if you choose to upgrade to the second generation by purchasing your AirPods from a third-party vendor. Because the two versions of Apple AirPods are similar in size, design, weight, color, and other attributes, a quick glance at them reveals no discernible differences.
Recommended Read: How to Make AirPods Discoverable
Table of Contents
How do you know if your AirPods are Generation 1 or Generation 2
What are the Three Ways to Tell Which Generation of AirPods You Have?
Examine your iPhone/iPad Options
Consumers who have access to devices running iOS 14, iPadOS 14, or later can quickly determine the model of their AirPods if they have previously established a Bluetooth connection.
The procedure is as follows:
- In the phone’s settings, tap the Bluetooth icon.
- Look for your AirPods in the list.
- When you tap the Info button next to your AirPods, it will reveal the model number.
Consumers with previous operating systems can also determine the model of their AirPods if they have a connection, however the methods are slightly different. In your phone’s settings, instead of tapping the Bluetooth symbol, tap the general button. Scroll down and search for your AirPods on the “About” icon that appears, then press the name.
Take a look at your AirPods
Those whose phones can’t find the model number in Settings or whose AirPods aren’t linked can use the AirPods to search it up. You’ll need a magnifying glass to read the model number on the inside of each earpiece because it’s written in tiny letters.
The model number is indicated on the bottom edge of the box for those who have it.
Also according to Stupid Apple Rumors, fake airpods are plenty in the market.
Check the AirPods Charging Case
The charging cases for AirPods are interchangeable, so you may use a charging case from generation 1 to charge generation 2 AirPods and vice versa. That isn’t to suggest they haven’t been updated or aren’t similar.
The first version comes with a non-wireless charging case, whereas the second generation comes with a wireless charging case
A lightning connector is another feature that may be utilized to check the generation of your AirPods charging case.
The lighting connector’s location differs between the two charging cases. To enable for plug-in charging, it is located on the bottom edge of the lid for generation 1 and on the bottom of the casing for generation 2.
Furthermore, the generation 1 status light is visible from the inside of the charging case, but the generation 2 status light is visible from the front.
What Does My AirPods’ Model Number Mean About Their Generation?
It’s tough to tell what generation of AirPods you have just by looking at the model number.
The first-generation AirPods have model numbers A1722 and A1523, whereas the second-generation AirPods have model numbers A2031 and A2032.
Your AirPods are most likely counterfeit if your model number does not match any of the ones listed above.
They Use Different Chipsets
Chipsets come in two varieties, which are employed in different types of headphones. The “W” series is the typical type, which focuses on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity and is utilized in a variety of wireless headphones, including Beats, Apple Watch, and others. The “W” series chipset is used in the first version of AirPods.
The most recent generation of chipsets is the “H” series. This generation of chipsets is centered on Apple’s headphones. It is an update to the “W” series, with improved audio quality, faster connectivity, and lower latency for gaming.
Some of the significant distinctions between the W1 chipset series and the H1 chipset are as follows: You may utilize the “Hey Siri” speech command to call Apple’s digital assistant if your AirPods have the upgraded H1 chipset.
Siri was triggered by tapping one of the AirPods on the classic AirPods with the W1 chipset. Latency is another difference between the W1 and H1 chipsets. H1 AirPods have a Bluetooth latency of less than 30% when compared to W1 AirPods.
When listening to music, the difference isn’t visible, but when viewing a movie or playing video games, it is.
Bluetooth 5 is supported by the H1 chipset, while Bluetooth 4.2 is supported by the W1 chip. Bluetooth 5 helps you to communicate with other devices more quickly.
In the following respects, the H1 chip improves on the W1 chip:
- Increased the amount of time spent talking by up to 50%
- It takes two times as long to switch between devices.
- It is easier to connect to phone calls.
- Interconnectivity has improved.
Both Deliver Different Levels of Battery Performance
Although Apple claims that both the first and second generation AirPods provide up to 24 hours of listening time, with the wireless case providing an additional five hours of listening time, there is a significant difference.
The H1 chipset in generation 1 AirPods, on the other hand, has been linked to superior energy efficiency and, as a result, longer talk time.
The original AirPods have a two-hour talk time, while the upgraded model has a three-hour talk time, according to Apple’s information sheets.
Even yet, you might not notice a significant change in how you use either version on a daily basis.
They Offer Different Levels of Compatibility
The original AirPods worked with iOS 10 on phones and tablets, but were later upgraded to work with Apple Watches running watch OS 3 and higher, as well as Macs running macOS Sierra 10.12.
While those fundamental requirements are sufficient for updating to generation 2 AirPods, many features require iOS 13, iPadOS, or a later version of iOS.
AirPods connect through Bluetooth, allowing them to be utilized on both Android phones and non-Mac computers. However, crucial features like as Siri will remain unavailable.
Conclusion: AirPods Generation 1 vs AirPods Generation 2
If you’re considering purchasing a new pair of AirPods or upgrading to the most recent iteration, you should be aware of the significant changes between the two devices. The article goes into great detail about how to verify the model number using your phone’s settings, as well as how to check the AirPods or the AirPods charging case.
The model number alone, however, is insufficient to determine which version your AirPods belong to. Each generation has its own model number, which you should double-check.
Because the wireless charging case and the wired charging case are interchangeable, one commonly asked question is whether upgrading to the wireless charging case is beneficial.
While Apple sells the wireless Charging Case separately to allow you to join the new fad without purchasing a new pair of AirPods, the issue remains whether you should. Consider how often you use your charging case to answer your inquiry. Wireless charging isn’t absolutely necessary if you don’t charge your Charging Case every day.
Which AirPods – Gen 1 or 2 – Should you Buy?
Apple product fans are generally interested in keeping up with new Apple innovations. If you’re a die-hard lover of the original AirPods, the 2nd generation AirPods are a must-have. They have improved call quality, battery life, and latency, among other things.
Unless you also want a wireless charging case, the price difference isn’t that significant. Evaluate your requirements and make your own decision. You now understand the difference between AirPods and AirPods gen 2.
Also Read:
- How to Use Live Listen Without AirPods
- How to Make AirPods Discoverable
- How to Prevent Apps from Stopping Music on iPhone
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