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

According to the code found in the release candidate alpha released to developers on Wednesday, users will be warned if they try to pair a fake AirPods with an authentic one.

Apple can already tell users when a fake accessory is found in an iPad, but it looks like the company is going to warn users of fake accessories too.

The code shows that when a user tries 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.

Users will be directed to a support article on Apple's website to learn how to identify genuine AirPods. The "Don't connect" option on Apple's website doesn't seem to want to stop users from using the fake AirPods.

There have been a record number of counterfeit wireless headphones seized at the U.S. border. In the first nine months of the fiscal year, 360,000 counterfeit wireless headphones with a retail value of $62.2 million were seized.

Most of the counterfeit products entering the US were from mainland China or Hong Kong. It's not clear how many of the seized counterfeit headphones were AirPods, but U.S. Customs said they have increasedSeizures have increased 50% in the previous five years as products such as Apple's earbuds have gained popularity

Real Apple serial numbers can be used to make fake AirPods look like real ones. Many will have active noise cancellation and transparency modes.

The second-gen Apple Watch SE features the S8 chip, Crash Detection, and new colors at a lower price point.