Ever wondered exactly when your AirPods Pro rolled off the assembly line? Whether you’re buying secondhand, checking warranty eligibility, or just curious about your tech, knowing your AirPods Pro’s manufacturing date can be surprisingly important.
Understanding this date helps you spot fakes, determine support periods, and even make better resale decisions. In this article, we’ll show you simple ways to find out when your AirPods Pro were made, along with handy tips and insights to guide you.
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How to Know When Your AirPods Pro Were Manufactured
If you own a pair of AirPods Pro, you may be curious about when exactly they were manufactured. Knowing the manufacturing date can be useful for several reasons—confirming warranty status, identifying if your model falls within a known service program, or simply out of personal interest. Let’s walk through everything you need to know about finding your AirPods Pro’s manufacture date, how the process works, and best tips for getting accurate information.
Quick Explanation: How to Check AirPods Pro Manufacture Date
To determine when your AirPods Pro were manufactured, you’ll need to locate the serial number of your device. This serial number can then be decoded or checked on official Apple platforms to reveal the approximate manufacturing date. Apple’s system makes it fairly straightforward to access this information, once you know where to look.
Why Check the Manufacture Date of Your AirPods Pro?
Before diving into the steps, let’s look at why knowing your AirPods Pro’s build date might matter:
- Warranty Verification: Apple’s warranty period typically starts from the purchase date, but knowing the manufacture date helps when clarifying eligibility.
- Recalls & Service Programs: Some AirPods Pro units are eligible for service due to known issues. Manufacture date can confirm eligibility.
- Second-Hand Purchases: If you bought your AirPods Pro used or refurbished, checking the date discloses how old they truly are.
- Product Authenticity: Cross-referencing the serial number and its decoded date can help verify that your AirPods Pro are genuine.
Step-by-Step: How to Find When AirPods Pro Were Manufactured
1. Get the Serial Number
You have several ways to locate the serial number for your AirPods Pro:
- On the AirPods Case: Look for a tiny line of alphanumeric text inside the lid of the charging case.
- On Your Device (iPhone/iPad):
- Connect your AirPods Pro to your device.
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap “Bluetooth.”
- Find your AirPods Pro in the list and tap the “i” (information) icon next to them. The serial number will appear here.
- On the Original Packaging or Receipt: If you still have the box or receipt, the serial number is printed there as well.
2. Decode the Serial Number
Apple serial numbers are designed to contain useful information, including the unit’s manufacture date and factory of origin. For AirPods Pro, newer models have a 12-character alphanumeric code.
Understanding the Serial Number:
- Older System (Pre-2021):
- The fourth character indicates the year.
- The fifth character, when matched to Apple’s manufacturing week table, provides the week of production.
- Current System (Updated Format):
- Apple now uses a random serial number format. This means, unfortunately, the serial number alone no longer reveals the manufacturing date in an immediately decodable way.
3. Check with Apple’s Official Support
If you can’t decode the serial number yourself, Apple offers tools that infer your device’s status:
- Via Apple’s Support Website:
- Visit Apple’s “Check Coverage” website.
- Input your AirPods Pro serial number.
- You’ll see your warranty status and sometimes the estimated purchase date.
While this doesn’t explicitly show the manufacture date, the information can help you estimate the device’s age.
4. Contact Apple Support Directly
If you need an exact manufacturing date—for example, to qualify for a service program or recall—the best approach is to contact Apple Support:
- Start a Chat or Phone Support Session:
- Explain that you need the precise manufacture date for your AirPods Pro.
- Provide your serial number when prompted.
- An Apple representative can look up your unit’s details for you.
5. Use Third-Party Serial Number Decoders (With Caution)
Some websites and tools can decode serial numbers, but as Apple has switched to randomized formats, these may not always work.
- Best Practice: Use official Apple services for the most accurate info.
Practical Tips and Best Practices
- Always Keep Your Proof of Purchase: The original purchase date is the legal trigger for warranty, not necessarily the manufacture date. Store receipts and confirmations securely.
- Register Your AirPods Pro With Your Apple ID: This ensures easier support, repair, and warranty claims in the future.
- Stay Informed About Service Programs: Apple occasionally announces free repairs or replacements for specific AirPods Pro batches. Check if your unit qualifies based on manufacture date or serial number.
- Use Apple’s Tools First: Always start with Apple’s own platforms before turning to unofficial decoders or forums.
- Beware of Outdated Information: The serial number format has changed. Methods that worked for older AirPods may not work for current models; always look for recent guidance.
Potential Challenges
While finding your AirPods Pro’s manufacture date is straightforward for some, you could face a few hurdles:
- Randomized Serial Numbers: New serials are no longer easily decodable for date info.
- Lost Packaging or Case: Without the serial number from the case, you’ll need to use your connected device or purchase information.
- Secondhand Devices: If you purchased your AirPods Pro used, prior registration or warranty claims may not appear under your Apple ID.
- International Models: Sometimes, regional differences affect support and information access.
Other Aspects to Consider
- Production Location: While you might also be curious about “where” your AirPods Pro were made, the serial number doesn’t directly reveal this. Apple manufactures AirPods Pro primarily in China and Vietnam.
- Model Numbers: Different AirPods Pro generations (for example, A2084) can have slightly different manufacturing histories. Knowing your model number can help with support queries.
Summary
Finding out when your AirPods Pro were manufactured is a smart step for anyone who wants to track warranty, confirm eligibility for service programs, or verify authenticity. With the right serial number, you can quickly estimate your AirPods Pro’s age—especially with help from Apple’s official support resources. Stay organized, use trusted tools, and always keep records of your purchase for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I locate the serial number on my AirPods Pro?
To find the serial number, check inside the lid of your charging case, use the Bluetooth settings on your iPhone or iPad, or refer to your original box or receipt.
2. Can I find out the exact manufacture date myself using the serial number?
For older AirPods with non-randomized serial numbers, you may be able to decode the manufacture date yourself. For newer models, Apple uses a randomized system, so the exact date typically requires checking with Apple Support.
3. Why does the manufacture date matter for my AirPods Pro?
The manufacture date can help verify warranty coverage, confirm eligibility for Apple’s service programs, and assist in verifying the authenticity of your device, especially if purchased secondhand.
4. If I purchase AirPods Pro secondhand, can I still check the manufacture date?
Absolutely. As long as you have the AirPods Pro in hand (or the case), you can find the serial number and ask Apple Support for the manufacturing details, regardless of whether you’re the original owner.
5. Can the serial number tell me where my AirPods Pro were made?
The serial number itself doesn’t directly show the manufacturing country. However, it’s generally known that most AirPods Pro are assembled in China or Vietnam. The serial code may hint at the production facility, but for most users, this isn’t essential for warranty or service information.
With these steps and tips, you’re well-equipped to uncover your AirPods Pro’s history—and make sure you’re getting the best out of your wireless earbuds!
