Ever wondered just how old your AirPods Pro really are? Whether you’re checking warranty status, troubleshooting issues, or buying secondhand, knowing the exact manufacturing date can make all the difference. With Apple’s frequent hardware updates, being certain about your device’s age can help you avoid surprises down the road.

In this article, we’ll walk you through simple steps to find out when your AirPods Pro were manufactured, along with handy tips and insights to guide you.

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How to Know When Your AirPods Pro Were Manufactured

Determining the manufacturing date of your AirPods Pro can provide valuable insights, especially if you’re verifying warranty eligibility, considering a second-hand purchase, or simply curious about your device’s age. Thanks to Apple’s system of serial numbers and device information, it’s possible to estimate the production date of your AirPods Pro with reasonable accuracy.

Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to finding out when your AirPods Pro were manufactured, why it matters, and some tips to make the process easier.

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Why Knowing the Manufacture Date Matters

Knowing your AirPods Pro’s manufacture date is helpful because:

• It tells you whether your AirPods are still under warranty.
• It can help verify authenticity and avoid counterfeit products.
• It aids in understanding battery health and expected lifespan.
• It provides key information if you want to sell, buy, or claim a replacement.

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How to Check the Manufacture Date of Your AirPods Pro

There isn’t a direct menu option in your iPhone or AirPods settings that explicitly shows the manufacture date. Instead, you can estimate the date using the serial number, which contains coded information about when and where your AirPods Pro were made.

Step 1: Locate Your AirPods Pro Serial Number

First, you need to find your device’s serial number. There are several ways to do this:

A. Using Your iPhone

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap Bluetooth.
3. Find your AirPods Pro in the device list and tap the i (info) icon next to them.
4. Scroll down to find the Serial Number.

B. On the AirPods Pro Case

• Open the lid of your AirPods Pro case.
• Check inside the case—between the two earbuds. You’ll find the serial number printed in small lettering.

C. On the Original Packaging

• Inspect the barcode label on the underside of your AirPods Pro box. The serial number is typically printed here.

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Step 2: Decode the Serial Number

Once you have the serial number, you can use it to estimate the manufacture date. However, Apple has changed its serial number format over time:

For Older AirPods (pre-2021):

• The serial number may contain a 4th and 5th character (usually digits) that indicate the manufacturing week and year.
• Example: In “GF1YW1234…”, the “1Y” represents the manufacturing year and week according to Apple’s encoding (which is proprietary and not officially documented).
• You can use online tools to input the serial number and estimate the date, though accuracy may vary.

For Newer AirPods (2021 and later):

• Apple moved to a random serial number system that doesn’t directly encode the date.
• You’ll need to check through Apple’s official support channels to get the precise manufacture date.

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Step 3: Check Coverage and Support

The best and most accurate way to verify your AirPods Pro’s age is through Apple’s official coverage check:

1. Visit Apple’s “Check Coverage” webpage (on a computer or mobile browser).
2. Enter your AirPods Pro serial number.
3. The page will display the purchase date, warranty status, and sometimes provide an estimated manufacture date.

Note: If your AirPods Pro were purchased soon after they were made (which is common for new products), the warranty start date and purchase date can offer a rough estimate of when they were manufactured.

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Step 4: Third-Party Tools and Resources

Several websites and forums allow you to enter your serial number to uncover more details about your device. While these can provide helpful information, always be cautious about where you input your serial number—stick with well-known and reputable services.

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Understanding the Benefits and Challenges

Benefits

• Peace of Mind: Confirms whether your AirPods Pro are genuine and eligible for Apple’s support programs.
• Battery Health: Newer devices tend to have healthier batteries, as lithium-ion batteries degrade over time.
• Warranty Validation: Ensures your claim is made before warranty expiration.
• Used Purchases: Helps you assess the true age of second-hand AirPods Pro.

Challenges

• Changing Serial Formats: Apple’s move to random serial numbers means you may not be able to decode the date yourself for newer models.
• Accuracy: Decoding using online tools can provide estimates but may not always be precise.
• Counterfeit Risks: Some serial numbers may be copied or faked, so it’s essential to use official Apple resources.

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Practical Tips and Best Practices

• Always verify with Apple: Use Apple’s official website or contact customer service for the most accurate information.
• Beware of non-official tools: Enter serial numbers only on trusted sites to prevent security or privacy risks.
• Keep your receipt: The purchase date is often the best indicator for warranty and service eligibility, especially for newer AirPods Pro models.
• Request proof when buying used: Ask for the serial number before purchasing second-hand AirPods Pro and check warranty status yourself.
• Document your serial number: Write down your AirPods Pro serial number in a safe place, in case you lose the packaging or the device.

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Common Scenarios and What They Mean

• Newly Purchased, Sealed Box: The manufacture date is generally within a few weeks to a couple of months before your purchase date.
• Used or Refurbished AirPods Pro: The manufacturing date, as revealed by the serial number, may be much earlier than your purchase date.
• Serial Number Won’t Verify: This could indicate a fake product or an issue with the device, and you should reach out to Apple Support.

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How Forums and Communities Can Help

Apple-focused forums and online communities provide helpful personal experiences and troubleshooting tips. Many users share their findings about serial number formats, deciphering codes, and verifying authenticity. If you’re stuck, these spaces can be valuable—but remember, they’re not official sources.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can I find the serial number of my AirPods Pro?
You can find the serial number in several places: in your iPhone’s Bluetooth settings (under your AirPods Pro info), printed inside the charging case, or on the original packaging.

2. Can I determine the exact manufacture date from my AirPods Pro serial number?
For older models, the serial number had markers that let you estimate the week and year of manufacture. For new models, serial numbers are randomized, so you’ll need to check Apple’s website or contact support for precise information.

3. Why is the manufacture date important for AirPods Pro?
It tells you whether your device is still under warranty, helps verify authenticity, and gives you an idea about battery health and overall age—especially useful for second-hand purchases.

4. What if I enter my serial number on Apple’s website and get an error or no information?
This could mean the AirPods Pro are fake, the serial number was mistyped, or there’s a technical issue. Double-check your entry. If the problem persists, contact Apple Support directly for assistance.

5. Will Apple honor warranty claims based on the manufacture date or purchase date?
Warranty typically starts from the purchase date. Apple may require your original receipt as proof. The manufacture date helps estimate warranty period if a receipt isn’t available, but providing proof of purchase is always best.

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Conclusion

Finding out when your AirPods Pro were manufactured is a straightforward process if you follow the right steps. By locating your serial number and checking with Apple’s official resources, you can gain valuable details about your device’s age and authenticity. Whether you’re buying, selling, or servicing your AirPods Pro, understanding their manufacturing date empowers you to make informed decisions and take better care of your technology.

Remember to use trusted channels, keep your device details secure, and don’t hesitate to reach out to Apple’s customer support or the online community if you have further questions or concerns. Enjoy your AirPods Pro confidently, knowing you’re equipped with the facts!