iOS 16 Alerts iPhone Users When Trying to Pair Counterfeit AirPods, But Doesn't Block Them

[MacRumors]

iOS 16 will warn users who try to pair counterfeit AirPods with their iPhone or iPad, according to code found in the release candidate beta released to developers on Wednesday.

Apple can already tell users when a non-genuine part is detected in an iPhone or iPad, but it looks as if the company is ready to extend this warning to fake Apple accessories, too.

First spotted by 9to5Mac, the code indicates that when a user attempts to pair non-genuine AirPods with their Apple device, the upcoming version of iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 will throw up a message on the screen, which reads: "These headphones could not be verified as genuine AirPods and may not behave as expected."

A "Learn More" button will then redirect users to a support article on Apple's website explaining how to identify genuine AirPods. Notably, Apple doesn't appear to want to stop users from pairing the fake AirPods, but instead displays a "Don't Connect" option.

The surging popularity of AirPods has resulted in record numbers of counterfeit wireless headphones being seized at the U.S. border. According to a 2021 report, roughly 360,000 counterfeit wireless headphones with a retail value of $62.2 million were confiscated in the first nine months of the U.S. government's fiscal year, based on data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

U.S. Customs said that 80% of all counterfeit products coming into the U.S. were from mainland China or Hong Kong. While it's unclear how many of the seized counterfeit headphones were AirPods, U.S. Customs said seizures have increased 50% in the previous five years as products such as Apple's earbuds have gained popularity.

Counterfeit AirPods can use genuine Apple serial numbers and usually look physically indistinguishable from legitimate AirPods Pro. Many will even have functional active noise cancellation and Transparency mode features.

Article Link: iOS 16 Alerts iPhone Users When Trying to Pair Counterfeit AirPods, But Doesn't Block Them

 

[alpi123]

That's very useful.

There are a lot of places that sell knockoff Airpods and because they're practically indistinguishable from the real ones, a lot of people get scammed.

 

[laptech]

There was a reality TV show about US customs on a number of years ago and one of the episodes touched on counterfeit goods and it showed a US customs agent talking about how criminals/fraudsters try to get the counterfeit items to pass through US customs which is to pack the item in non generic packing and word the item differently on shipping forms in the hope it gets through customs and if they do they get delivered to places where people then re-package them into fake branded packaging.

U.S. Customs said that 80% of all counterfeit products coming into the U.S. were from mainland China or Hong Kong

If that amount is being seized by US customs yearly I cannot see how the fraudsters in China/Hong Kong stay in business. Or could it be a case of 'pay first then deliver' ? meaning the fraudsters are not losing out because they get paid and it is the person recieving the goods who takes all the risks whilst the fraudsters run off with the money?.

 

[wanha]

Curious to hear how those of you - who are convinced Apple only ever does something to make a buck - explain the fact that Apple only notifies and doesn't block counterfeit AirPods?

 

[Shanghaichica]

Very useful feature. Much needed.

 

[gixxerfool]

Well implemented. Warns a user of the issue, but let’s them proceed either way. Makes sense really since there is likely any damage to be done from them allowing to connect.

 

[Bobs_ur_uncle]

Where are the Powerbeats Pro H2s please!!!

 

[Kar98]

What!? You’re telling me those brand new in box $50 AirPods on eBay with the gibberish description translated from Chinese are fake??? Like, no way!

 

[jarman92]

Got this notification last night for my absolutely authentic, 3-year-old AirPods Pro 😅

 

[mikethemartian]

How does it distinguish between legal third party vs counterfeit? Do the counterfeits try to use Apple’s CAGE code when they ID themselves? Just having similar serial numbers generated using similar algorithms between two companies doesn’t necessarily mean they are counterfeit.

 

[JustAnExpat]

Good! I live in a country where they are sold openly, and visually, they look the same and act the same. The microphone sounds like you're underwater, and the sound range is almost nonexistent. The packaging and instructions look good, except for the last page where they misspell Apple's headquarters city, and if someone isn't paying close attention, they will think it's the real thing.

 

[JustAnExpat]

How does it distinguish between legal third party vs counterfeit? Do the counterfeits try to use Apple’s CAGE code when they ID themselves? Just having similar serial numbers generated using similar algorithms between two companies doesn’t necessarily mean they are counterfeit.

I have a pair of fakes myself. The model number report is A2600. That's not a valid Apple AirPod model. I'm sure there'll be a list of approved AirPods models on iOS 16, and if an unapproved model is found, the warning will appear.

 

[_Spinn_]

This is a great change!

 

[ss2cire]

Interesting, glad Apple added this, it'll help with the growing problem.

 

[svish]

Very good. Happy to see this implemented.

 

[Toratek]

Counterfeiters and counterfeit importers are disgusting examples of human greed.

 

[j_wong59]

Allegedly it’s been hacked already, saw on some Chinese site lol

 

[wanha]

Where are the Powerbeats Pro H2s please!!!

Try to stay on topic, Bob

 

[deathcab]

Allegedly it’s been hacked already, saw on some Chinese site lol

UPDATE: Per a Reddit post from someone with the same issue (i.e., counterfeit error message showing for AirPods purchased directly from Apple), there appears to be a software glitch in some cases for AirPods paired before the phone was updated to iOS 16. I followed the Reddit user's instructions to unpair and repair the AirPods, and the error message immediately went away and they now correctly show as genuine so hopefully that helps for anyone who encounters the same glitch.

Even if it hasn't been hacked (which it will be), it's not accurate. My AirPods 2 are showing this message even though they were purchased directly from Apple (and the case is even engraved which I don't think anyone other than Apple can do anyways).

The only thing I can think of that may be causing the message to show is that I had the AirPods (but not the case) swapped under warranty last year (again, directly by Apple) so maybe there's some mismatch showing in their database due to that swap? Serial numbers all check, warranty info from the swap date is accurate on Apple's website, etc. Literally the only way they could be fake is if Apple shipped me fake replacements (which is theoretically possible I suppose).