AirPods Max Guide: $550 Authentic vs $250 FAKE (2024)

Last Updated on April 25, 2024 by Ch David

How to spot FAKE AirPods Max

To know if your of AirPods Max are fake, check if the serial code shows a verified purchase date on Apple’s Check Coverage online service (free).

• If the code scans: You’ve got the original AirPods Max.
• If it doesn’t: Purchase date won’t be validated.

1. Serial number

1.1. How to find

1. Find your pair’s serial number: on the box or inside each AirPod.
2. Go to Apple’s Check Coverage website.
3. Insert your AirPods Max’s serial number.
4. Get the results.
   • Original: Apple can verify a valid purchase date.
   • Fake: No results are shown.

You can find the serial number in multiple places on your AirPods Max:

• On the box’s sticker at the bottom.
• On the interior side of each AirPod.
• Note: Every code may differ on an authentic pair, but that isn’t a concern.

Still didn’t find it? Check Apple’s AirPods Max official guide.

1.2. How to scan

Go to checkcoverage.apple.com to test it.

For this comparison, we’ll look at the real vs fake AirPods Max serial numbers on the boxes:

If it’s hard to notice in the image above (previous section):

• The authentic example’s serial number was: H0YJG3X7P3WC.
• The fake onewasis: H0YKR230P3WG.

1.3. Real

• A valid purchase date is registered.
• Apple’s services can be found in the “Your Coverage” section.
• Warranty details are displayed.
• Various benefits of hardware are in the black box.

There is enough information to understand this is an authentic AirPods Max pair.

1.4. Fake

• The purchase date can’t be verified.
• No Apple services are being displayed.
• Missing information about the pair.

If your scanned serial number looks the same as in the image above, we’re sorry to say that you’re +95% owning a fake pair of AirPods.

Finding it too hard? Reach out to our Apple experts:

2. Charging hole

1. The fake pair’s round little hole is too big.
2. The charging hole on the replica Apple AirPods Max has its silvery metal outline too thick and too big, as it covers more surface than it should.
3. The little hole below the charging one looks too big as well on the fake Apple AirPods.

3. L & R

Let’s talk about the “L” and the “R” inscriptions that tell you which is the left and which is the right headphone.

3.1. Left

• The fake AirPods’ letter “L” looks too thin.

The real “L” is way thicker and way bulkier than the one seen on the fake AirPods.

3.2. Right

• The The fake pair’s letter “R” looks yet again way too thin.

The authentic pair’s letter “R” is noticeably thicker and more defined than the fake one.

A quick mention:

• The steps we’ve written so far are the BEST ways to authenticate this item
• The next few steps are still reliable methods…
• … but they apply to non-top-versions of replicas available for this item

If in doubt, we recommend double-checking the steps we’ve explained above this line.

4. Box (Side)

In the image with the real vs fake Apple AirPods Max boxes above:

• The fake box has the wrong inscriptions.
• The fake box says just “Max” instead of “AirPods Max”

Bear in mind that the authentic AirPods must say “AirPods Max” on the side of their boxes.

4. Box (Bottom)

• The fake box has the wrong inscriptions, yet again:
• The fake box only says “Max”, when it should say “AirPods Max”.

5. Diffusers

• The fake Max AirPods have their diffusers placed too close to each other.

On the other hand, the authentic pair’s diffusers are placed further away from each other, as there’s a little bit more space in between these when compared to the fake ones.

Consumer Awareness: Buying Legit AirPodsMax

1. Scan your serial number on Apple’s Check Coverage website. If no purchase date is validated, then you have a fake pair.
2. Authenticate the charging hole on your AirPods Max. Mostly, the fake AirPods have holes too large, especially when it comes to the silvery metal outline all around the charging hole
3. Examine the “L” and the “R” inscriptions that indicate the left and the right headphones. Usually, the replica AirPods Max pairs have these inscriptions too thin
4. See the text written on the profile side of the box of your AirPods Max. The replica AirPods tend to have their box saying only “Max” instead of “AirPods Max”
5. Check the text written on the bottom side of your AirPods Max. In most cases, the fake AirPods have only the “Max” text instead of fully saying “AirPods Max”
6. Inspect the diffusers. Most of the fake AirPods have their diffusers placed too close to each other

This is a shortlist for those who are in a rush and don’t have enough time to read the fully detailed comparison.

Expert AirPods Max authentication service

If you’ve gone through this guide and still have doubts regarding the authenticity of your Apple AirPods, consider using the Legit Check App for a professional authentication service to give you peace of mind.

If you’re unsure about following this guide or are pressed for time:

• Simply send us clear photos of your Apple headphones, and our team will respond with their findings within 24 to 48 hours.
• You’ll also receive a detailed report explaining our reasons for determining whether your Apple AirPods Max is genuine or counterfeit.

That’s it. You’ve just learned how to spot fake AirPods Max!

Need our opinion on your item’s authenticity? It’s a service we provide.

Get a fully-detailed report for why you have a real or fake item. Takes less than 48 hours!

Alternatively, use our free resources: written guides and video tutorials.

Thank you for reading this,

Ch Daniel and Ch David