Apple’s iOS 16 Now Detects Fake AirPods When Connected

It happens again and again that a supposed bargain turns out to be a rip-off. When it comes to hardware, it’s often not easy to tell whether you’ve been taken in by a fake. In the case of the AirPods, Apple’s iOS will warn in the future when fakes are connected.

Apple held its annual iPhone event last week and iOS 16 was also discussed during the event. Because Apple has announced that the latest version will be released today. All those who will get iOS 16 – and they are certainly most of them – will have a function at their disposal that is quite practical. Especially if you value using original Apple accessories.

Only originals desired

Because the Californian manufacturer has already implemented a warning that informs the owner of an iPhone or iPad if a non-original part is installed when replacing or repairing a component. Now Apple is expanding this fake detection again. Because in the code of the iOS 16 RC already released for developers 9to5Mac discovered that users are being notified about fake AirPods.

The background is that the popular AirPods are becoming more and more popular as plagiarism and these fakes can hardly be distinguished from the originals. Some fakes even master software features like automatic pairing and battery indicator, making spotting a copy even more difficult.

With iOS 16, when connecting “fake” AirPods, users will be prompted with an overlay and read: “These headphones could not be verified as real AirPods and may not behave as expected.” The “Learn more” button takes you to an Apple page where you can learn how to identify fakes. Another option can be used to prevent the connection, but the fake AirPods are not specifically blocked by Apple or anything like that.